Round Lake Beach Woman Selected as Illinois Veteran of the Month

Chicago – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will recognize Petty Officer 1st Class Lisabeth Ann Risley, U.S. Navy, retired, a prominent veteran leader with over 30 years of service to her community, county and to fellow veterans as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for June 2013.

Risley, a U.S. Navy veteran, will be honored at a ceremony scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Assistance Commission of Lake County, 20 S. Martin Luther King Avenue, Waukegan, IL. 

“Petty Officer 1st Class Risley epitomizes the continued community service of our Illinois veterans,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “She’s made significant, lasting and meaningful contributions to her fellow veterans and the community both in the Navy and as a veteran leader in Lake County. Her leadership and voice as a female veteran working on two key committees at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center are but two of many examples of her long-standing commitment to helping others and giving voice to the concerns of women veterans.

Risley joined the Navy in 1980 as a Hospital Corpsman to continue her family’s tradition of Naval service.  After over four years of active duty stateside and in Guam, she transferred to the Navy Reserve.  In Aug. 1990 she was recalled to active duty with the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class, in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. While on active duty she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer and subsequently was medically retired.  After leaving the service, and in spite medical challenges, she continued to serve her fellow veterans.  Risley was a veterans’ representative to the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) and manned the office there, taking calls, assisting veterans and answering questions regarding benefits and claims.  As an officer in the American Legion, she served as Post Chaplain, as well as a Legion Rider, supporting veteran funerals, welcome home celebrations and other events. 

Her decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, and the Marksman Pistol Ribbon. She was nominated for consideration by Michael P. Peck the Superintendent of the Lake County VAC.

About Veteran of the Month
The Illinois Veteran of the Month Award is presented to veterans who continue to serve their communities after leaving the military and make a real difference in the lives of others. Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate a veteran for consideration, please visit veterans.illinois.gov for the guidelines and a nomination form.  Each recipient is presented a proclamation signed by the Governor and the IDVA Director, as well as a state flag.