Saturday, May 15, 2010 | Embassy Suites Conference Center, East Peoria
5:30-6:30 p.m. VIP Reception | 6 p.m. General Reception | 7 p.m. Dinner
2010 Heartland Heroes Guest Speaker
18th District U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock
Aaron Schock is the youngest member of the U.S. House of Representatives and serves the 18th District, which covers much of central Illinois. He has demonstrated legislative ability and the courage to offer new ideas.
Schock began his public service career when he was elected to the Peoria School Board at age 19. Later, his fellow board members voted unanimously to make him president. A graduate of Bradley University, Schock earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in just two years.
Schock represented the 92nd District in the state Legislature, where he developed a reputation for constituent service. He shared a 2007 award with then-Sen. Barack Obama from the Illinois Committee for Honest Government for his “Outstanding Legislative and Constituent Service.”
Since being elected to Congress in 2008, he has served on several committees, including the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Small Business Committee, and Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He also was chosen to serve as a Deputy Republican Whip.
Previous Heartland Heroes Guest Speakers
Gail J. McGovern, CEO, National American Red Cross. McGovern shared her vision for the organization and described her first-hand experiences helping others at disaster scenes.
Gen. Wayne A. Downing, a Peoria native and military hero who served as head of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Gen. Downing motivated us all with his patriotism and courage.
Jim Owens, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. Owens encouraged us with Caterpillar’s determination to promote corporate and personal safety for its employees. He left us with a feeling of personal responsibility and confidence that we could make the world a safer place — truly the work of heroes.
Ed Diener, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois. Known as “Dr. Happy,” Diener explained the physical and psychological benefits of happiness — clearly a well-deserved reward for heroes.
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Volunteer Chairman of the national American Red Cross Board of Governors. Hunter captivated the community with her charm and passion for the work of the Red Cross. She described her first-hand experiences with Red Cross relief efforts around the world.
Jim DeRose, Bradley University Soccer Team head coach. The audience learned about the grit and grace that transforms tragedy to heroism when Coach DeRose spoke of his team’s miraculous determination to stand strong and tall against heartbreaking circumstances.