From Navy ship to pontoon boat

by Josh Van Dyke 

Russ Andrew was once captain of the USS Brazo, a US Navy refueling ship, during World War 2.  But soon he will be riding an all-together different kind of boat, on a tour of relaxation rather than duty. 

Andrew, a resident of Woodstock, is one of the three winners of a raffle sponsored by Wauconda Boat, Sharpe Autobody, and Dock's Bar and Grill.  Along with fellow veterans Bob Ornig, who spent three years as a Communication specialist in the Army, and six-year Marine Corps Arthur Sloma, Andrew will receive a free 4-hour pontoon boat rental, which would normally cost about $165.00, and $50 in certificates for the restaurant and auto-body shop. 

"We're just trying to give something back," says Mike Salisbury of Wauconda Boat.  Salisbury, who was himself a member of the Marine Corps, was inspired by Memorial Day.  On a whim he brought the idea to Louie Sharpe of Sharpe Autobody and Mike Cureio of Dock's Bar and Grill. 

Raffle tickets were brought to some Wauconda businesses and the three winners were later drawn at random.    Andrew's ticket was actually filled and turned in by his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne Andrew.  The pontoon boats can hold up to eight people. 

Though Sharpe Autobody and Wauconda Boat have done similar events in the past with Wauconda Rotary Club, this time the businesses are acting on their own.   

"People just kind of forget about the veterans, sometimes," says Carol Nichele of Wauconda Boat.  The goal of the raffle, she says, is to show appreciation for all military veterans.