In 1971, Doug Jennings founded Jennings Air Frate – JA Frate. Encouraging his customers to make inquiries, Doug trumpeted a “Just Ask” service philosophy – and the “JA” took on a new meaning. Four decades later I first thought the name related to its president, Joe Alger.

There are several planters like this one outside of the JA Frate building. They are maintained by a long-time employee of the accounting department.

One of the trucks moved through PGR flaglines during the Anibal Santiago Mission.

This is where they come from and this is what most of them look like.

For years, one of the trailers has displayed a tribute to a local Marine killed in western Iraq a year before the Patriot Guard was born.

Inside the building there is a plaque of appreciation.

It seems like a good place to work.

Jim Jennings works there. He prowls Crystal Lake, McHenry and Huntley. Joe has created a new tribute trailer and those are the cities where Jim will be pulling it.

The very first thing Jim said to me when I met him was, “It is a great honor to be driving this trailer around.”

Joe’s wife Mary has been busy too. She was the catalyst and the energy behind the creation of the Downrange Club located 1500 feet northwest of Woodstock Harley. It is a place for returning warriors to rendezvous.

SGT Scott Becker was one of the first to visit.

Plus, AmVets 269 will meet there.

Mary, Joe & Diana.

Thank you for your service.

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