Sangamon Sun

Cindy Deadrick Wolfer, a Republican candidate for state House District 96, met with veterans after a Vietnam War veterans’ recognition event recently at the Decatur Civic Center.

“I wasn’t actually there for the ceremony itself, I was there afterwards and got to meet with some of the veterans and talk with them,” Wolfer told the Sangamon Sun.

Wolfe, whose father is a veteran of the Air Force, said she has great respect and pride for veterans who served. Going to the event allowed Wolfer to talk to some people she knew personally and get to meet others she didn’t know had served at that time.

“That was all it was really about, saying thank you and getting (to meet) a few new people, and recognizing some people that you know and saying thanks to them, too,” she said.

The event on March 26 featured an address by keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nick Walsh, who shared experiences from his 30-year military career.

More than 400 veterans and family members attended the catered event, and enjoyed free food and beverages, as well as original music from the era. The committee that organized the event plans to extend the invitation list to include veterans from other wars in the future.

Wolfer expressed her appreciation to the committee in a post on her Facebook page.

“Each year, the National Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Day is held on the last Saturday of March," she wrote. "Thanks to the dedicated Vietnam Committee and the wonderful sponsors for planning this awesome event at the Decatur Civic Center today. More than 400 Veterans and family members attended, sharing a great program, meal and friendships.”

Wolfer, a Decatur businesswoman, beat rival Gary Pierce by a landslide in the primary, claiming 60 percent of the votes in the district. She will face incumbent Sue Scherer in the November general election.

Wolfer is a member of Decatur’s Parks Board and hopes her experience on the board and as a business owner will help her make decisions in Springfield. With the primary out of the way, Wolfer’s goal is to continue to meet with voters so they can get to know her.