AllenForce was founded in memory of Donna's father, Don Allen, Army Veteran. Serving the veterans today of ALL ERAS has brought a personal fulfillment of getting to know the character traits her deceased father must have shared. There are 4 main programs: HMHB was founded in 2009 through NEDSRA, to assist veterans who are injured, visibly or invisibly, through positive health and fitness training and social networking. Since the launch of HMHB, the project has been well received by veterans and their families and is growing nation-wide. SheForce, VETANK and Vet Rec have brought services through health fitness and recreation fostering empowerment and confidence in transition from the military.
AllenForce was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in May of 2012 to meet the needs of an ever growing Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program and requests by veterans to offer much more to meet needs not yet being met in the community. Once this not-for-profit organization was formed, other programs and projects have been included so that AllenForce can achieve its goal—To promote a healthy and successful lifestyle for all veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces and their loved ones.
| "I kept thinking 'someone needs to do something for all of the veterans in the communities trying to adjust to life after injuries...life after serving.' then I realized we were the someone, WE, could make a difference." Lawrence S. Reiner, Ed. D. Founder and Director |
"AllenForce was named to honor a man I love but never really knew. Our inspiration, every day, is you, our veterans. God bless you all and thank you for your service in every way!"
Donna L. Allen-Rielage, CTRS Founder and CEO |
It is such an honor to give back to those who have served and their families. At first I didn't feel qualified to do so since I have not served our nation through the Armed Forces. Although I am the daughter of Army Veteran Donald P. Allen, my learning did not come from listening to his stories because he passed away when I was just a year old. My learning about the military world started while developing the first Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program in Illinois in 2009.
Since its inception I have been blessed to build relationships with veterans of all eras and their families exposing me to military culture along with the challenges after time in service.
From my humble civilian window out which I looked, what I have witnessed is a culture defined by pride, honor, dignity, loyalty and faith in our country's constitution and resulting freedoms. These new friends, whom I respect greatly, took me to a new level of comprehending the depths of these character traits of which my father must have also portrayed. Unbeknownst to them, they've helped me to grasp the price of our freedoms and the unselfish ways in which that price is paid. This includes the difficult choices they have to make to serve—being away from their children, family and loved ones, the accepted risks to health altering exposures on the job, the injuries from battle, the long term post traumatic stress suffered from the intensity and tragedies of war, the sacrifice of life.
No words are powerful enough to ever say thank you to the men and women and their families who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms. There is absolutely no way to honor them enough. Through developing and implementing programs to benefit veterans and their families nationwide, assist in educating civilians through our workshops to better understand and accommodate former service members in their own communities, providing opportunities for the continued leadership and amazing talents of our veteran volunteers within the AllenForce family, I have truly experienced the gift of serving others. This has all made an amazing, positive impact on my life. Thank you for your support of AllenForce, our veterans and families, our country and our freedoms, and may we always keep our hearts filled with gratitude and respect.
God bless!
With a Doctorate in Counseling, Health and Adult Education, Dr. Reiner co- founded AllenForce to give back to service members of all eras after serving for 34 years as the Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA), wherein he administered the creation and implementation of Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies and the development of NEDSRA as a Paralympic Sport Club.
Dr. Reiner has received numerous recognitions on the State and National level for his accomplishments developing services and creating non-profits to serve people with disabilities. In addition, Dr. Reiner is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional who currently serves on the board of directors for NEDSRA, Buffalo Grove Park District, and is the Executive Director of Butterfield Park District. Through his heart of service he has established the Rusty Reiner Veterans Memorial Fund for Active Duty Service Men and Women, which provides scholarships and fee assistance as well as support to Veterans Park in Buffalo Grove.
I kept thinking ‘someone needs to do something for all of the veterans in the communities trying to adjust to life after injuries...life after serving.’ then I realized we were the someone, WE, could make a difference.
Larry has served on the AllenForce Board of Directors since 2012. He is a great advocate for veterans and people with disabilities and enjoys golf.
I'm currently the Chicagoland Marketing Manager for Law Tigers, a national organization of motorcycle accident attorneys. Locally I support many charities, veteran groups, children's causes, riders clubs and others in my role here. I am particularly interested helping these groups with ideas on how to better achieve their goals and objectives. Communication, fundraising and event participation are my strengths.
Much of my career was in the food industry, specializing in marketing and business development.
Several examples of my past community service: achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in my youth; served more than 4 years on the board of the West Suburban United Way; board member in my church men's club.
I ride a Harley and belong to 2 HOG chapters. I'm a member of the A.B.A.T.E. DuKane Chapter.
My dad (1925-2016), a true patriot, was a WWII Marine, serving in the Pacific Theater. Together we took the Old Glory Honor Flight from Appleton WI about 4 years before he passed away, and it was a truly remarkable event. I came to understand the meaning of brotherhood among those who served in the armed services, evidenced by his activities with the VFW, American Legion, and other organizations. As for love of country, he proudly flew the American flag alongside the USMC flag in the front yard of their Sturgeon Bay home. I miss him.
Serving on the AllenForce board will be an honor.
My affiliation with AllenForce started with a simple donation and grew to a
friendship with Donna. It was a privilege to be considered for the Board
position and an honor to be accepted as a Board member. I look forward to
the adventures that await the organization, its growth in the community, and
its continuing service to our national treasures, its veterans
Supervised four Lieutenant Colonels with responsibility to develop, revise and review Army and DoD policies relating to military personnel policy, casualty/mortuary affairs, military awards/decorations, compensation/entitlements, cadet/officer/enlisted personnel policies, and promotions/selection board policy.
I am supported in this grand adventure by my faith in God, love of my family, and desire to serve the public to the best of my ability.
Executive Administrative Assistant with over 12 years of experience providing thorough and skillful support to Military Soldiers and Civilians.
Skills:
Experience:
American Legion Auxiliary Member
Trish has served on the Board of Directors since 2017. Trish and her husband, a retired Colonel, live with their three dogs and enjoy motorcycle riding.
USMC Veteran
As a Marine, I am honored to have served our Country in the United States Marine Corps from March 19, 2001 through June 1, 2015 with one-year break in service. During the course of my military career, I served as an Embarkation Specialist, Unit Movement Coordinator, Imagery Intelligence Specialist, and finished as a Company Gunnery Sergeant. My duty assignments included Okinawa, JA, Camp Pendleton, CA, Quantico, VA, and Camp Lejeune, NC. I have four deployments to include three tours to Iraq and one to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Both enlistments I served honorably.
After leaving the Marine Corps in 2015, I knew I would want to continue my career in service to veterans. Bachelors degree: DeVry University AMVETS, Chicago Regional Office, National Service Officer Will County Veteran Assistance Commission, County Veteran Service Officer.
I am now proud to be an AllenForce Board Member to improve my ability to serve Veterans. I have many Veterans that come through our office needing assistance and they are very devoted to this organization. I look forward to this journey and am blessed to have the support of my lovely wife and two sons and two daughters.
"AllenForce treats veterans with therapeutic recreation" - Shaw Local News Network
"2021 Best of the Best Awards Gala" - Illinois Association of Park Districts
"A Salute to Veterans. All-Terrain Chair Improves Veteran's Life" - Herald-News
"A Salute to Veterans. All-Terrain Chair Improves Veteran's Life" - (PDF)
"What is 'Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies?" by Mundelein Parks and Recreation.
"Not Your Average Joe" interview with founder Donna Allen Rielage.
TR on the Frontlines of Veterans Services: are we misfiring?
Wayne's Words: Honor our Veterans Everyday
Veterans gift of Camaraderie
Ribfest Partners with AllenForce to Offer On-site Transportation to Veterans
AllenForce helps veterans, families feel inclusive despite barriers
Indelible Paintball
JJC to Host Veterans and Community Empowerment Fest Oct. 18
Naperville Trackchair
Vets Pumping Iron As They Return To Civilian Life
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