A Randolph County man was honored as Illinois Veteran of the Month on Sunday at the Du Quoin State Fair.  Michael L. Hoelscher of Rockwood, graduated from Chester Community High School, and started a career in uniform, with the first part as a Security Policeman in the United States Air Force, including a year-long tour on the ground in Vietnam.  There he often found himself fighting as an infantryman with his fellow airmen in the defense of a key airbase.  It was the start of a lifetime of service, accomplishments, and making a difference in his community, culminating with his election as Sheriff of Randolph County in 2010, and as a D.A.R.E. officer with over 24 years dedicated to educating youth on the perils of illegal drug use.  Hoelscher earned the Bronze Star for valor in battle.  After he left the Air Force, he returned to Randolph County and became a law enforcement officer, continuing to serve and protect.  He served as a patrolman, Deputy Sheriff, and now as Sheriff for nearly thirty years.  He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was recently elected as the second Vice President of the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission Executive Committee, which is responsible for Law Enforcement Training throughout the State of Illinois.