Carlos Saladino on Fil-Am Veterans Leadership at a typical Veterans’ Meeting at Dunkin’ Donuts

Fil-Am Veteran Carlos Saladino was born in the 1950’s in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Growing up in Chicago, Carlos exuded leadership at an early age. Now a retired law enforcement offi cer and soldier, Sal, as he is called, has a cool and downto- earth style that serves as a positive infl uence on a lot of people,particularly the U.S. military veterans.

Well-known in the veterans community together with his longtime friend and fellow Vietnam War Veteran, Roger McGill, the pair have worked side-by-side serving veterans for a long time, and together they started meeting with veterans at Dunkin’ Donuts in Niles, Illinois about 15 years ago, an informal group formed with no membership requirement. Veterans just started coming in for casual coffee and donuts, some conversations, and to catch up on the latest veterans news.

Fast forward to August 2022, my fi rst time to attend a 9am regular Tuesday meeting of the Dunkin’ Donuts Vets at the Miami Woods Forest Preserve in Morton Grove, there were incredibly 105 Vets present! “It just grew by word of mouth,”, said one former soldier who attends frequently. Then, of course, in his classic style, Carlos reminds those with diabetes, a common condition of Vietnam War Veterans, to “take it easy on the donuts, guys,” with his tongue-in- cheek sense of humor on full display.

A typical meeting, which has the feel much like that of a church fellowship, begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, remembrances, and a moment of silence for the passing of service buddies, friends and family members, and well wishes to all.

Then the Dunkin’ Donuts Vets hear updates regarding the latest news about claims and benefi ts from the Veterans Administration, community announcements, and from an occasional guest speaker. Upon leaving the usually less than an hour long assembly, it is not unusual to see a small group of veterans off to the side huddled in prayer. There is defi nitely a bond felt at these meetings that isn’t governed by rules and by-laws found in typical organizations, but one of care, decency, respect and brotherly love, as summed up in Carlos’ typical closing of, “I love you guys, see you next Tuesday, and stay healthy!”.

There is a standing invitation for veterans to come by on Tuesdays for coffee and donuts.

During the summer months, the Dunkin’ Donuts Vets meet at the Miami Woods, Cook County Forest Preserves in Morton Grove, and other months at the Niles Memorial VFW Post 3579, 7255 N. Caldwell, Ave., Niles Illinois 60714.

Photo caption: Carlos Saladino making opening remarks as Roger McGill (in gray ball cap) looks on at the Dunkin’ Donuts Vets meeting recently at Miami Woods.

(By Dale Tippett, a Veterans, Seniors and Small Business Advocate, Public Speaker and Host of the, “Chaplain’s Message” podcast.

Dale can be reached by phone at 773-259-4300 / dale@ daletippett.com