Eighth grade students (from left) Chase Ullrich and Truman Mouro of St. Thomas the Apostle School in Peoria Heights are “at attention” while speaking with Dan McDonough, major general, Illinois Air National Guard, on Jan. 28. The general and his son Danny, to his left, are St. Thomas alumni. (Supplied photo)

It was a big day for St. Thomas alumni who serve their country on Jan. 28 as St. Thomas the Apostle School in Peoria Heights held Celebrate the Nation Day during Catholic Schools Week activities.

FATHER AND SON SERVE

Dan McDonough, major general, Illinois Air National Guard, came to speak to students and brought along his son, Danny McDonough, who recently joined the Peoria Air National Guard and has been accepted to pilot school.

Danny, Cindy, and Dan McDonough, major general, Illinois Air National Guard, at St. Thomas the Apostle School on Jan. 28.

As commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, McDonough is responsible for the command, control and operations of plans and programs affecting more than 3,000 Illinois Air Guard personnel. He has over 5,600 total flying hours and nearly 700 combat and combat support hours.

As a pilot-in-training, son Danny McDonough will be flying the same plane his dad flew, the C-130, out of Bartonville.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION SURE PATH

Both father and son are proud St. Thomas alumni and spoke with the students – second through eighth grade – about how their Catholic education has prepared them for their paths through higher education and their careers.

Moreover, St. Thomas is truly a family affair for the McDonoughs as the general’s wife Cindy taught at the Peoria Heights school for 15 years.