The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for The Quill
Macomb- Jacqueline Diane Van Tine-Schwigen, Biggsville, succumbed to cancer January 31, but her memory remains vivid for family and friends.
She shared the most with some friends who were her co-workers in the Military Science Department at Western Illinois University in Macomb.
As a testament to the bonds forged there, a portion of the memorial funds received following her death have been used to create an award to be given to a graduating cadet who most closely demonstrates the qualities that Jackie possessed in dealing with those she served as secretary for University Affairs at WIU.
The first of four $300 awards was presented to Cadet Amanda L. Slack at the department's annual military ball in the Grand Ballroom at WIU on April 3. Slack and her husband Garrett received undergraduate degrees from Western on May 7. Following officer training courses, the Slacks will both be sent to Ft. Carson, CO, to complete their Officer Basic Course several months from now.
The award was presented by Jackie's husband Ray Schwigen and her brother Jan Van Tine.
One cadet will receive the award annually through the 2006-07 academic year.
A plaque commemorating the award and recipients is on display at the Military Science Department at WIU.
The plaque reads, in part, "She will be missed."
"She was a very gentle spirit who had the unique ability to bring out the best in everybody," said LTC Michael "Mick" Cumbie, who is director of the Military Science Department at Western.
"Jackie was thoroughly professional and made it a pleasure to come to work every day and be around such a great individual."
Jackie worked in the Military Science Department beginning in 1995. Her father, Truman Luther Van Tine, was killed in the initial stages of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium in 1944. He served as a tank commander. A portion of a museum near where he fell in battle honors Van Tine for his courage and selflessness in fighting to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression. A museum garden also notes Van Tine's valor.
Donna Conkler, who worked alongside Jackie in the Military Science Department at Western in cadet records, remembered her late colleague as "an inspiration and an all around good person," who was always ready to lend a helping hand.