Mokena prepares for return of Pvt. Toppen

MOKENA – Family, friends and even those who didn’t know Army Pvt. Aaron Toppen could be found tying yellow ribbons around light poles and trees this week all throughout Mokena, awaiting the slain 19-year-old U.S. soldier’s arrival back in his hometown.

“The support we’ve received is incredible,” said Toppen’s uncle, Stephen White, former chief judge of Will County. Thousands of feet of ribbon have been donated, and it’s estimated about 6,000 ribbons have been tied in Toppen’s honor, he said.

Toppen was one of five American soldiers killed June 9 in friendly-fire airstrike in southern Afghanistan. The Lincoln-Way East High School graduate’s body arrived back on U.S. soil last week, but it’s still unclear when he will be returned to Mokena, White said.

White said the Mokena Police Department is helping coordinate an escort from Midway Airport to Mokena. The wake and funeral service is expected to be held at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, but details have yet to be finalized, White said.

In the meantime, White said the family is awaiting the return of Toppen’s body and is overwhelmed by the support.

“Tie a yellow ribbon. If nothing else, that’s something to let everybody know you care,” White said.