Thank You Veterans

Goodwill’s Veteran Career Resource Program helps veterans find employment by providing one-on-one job readiness training, comprehensive support services and employment referrals for Sauk Valley veterans.

The Honor Flight of the Quad Cities honors veterans by pairing them with volunteer guardians for a day-long trip to Washington D.C., where they can share personal experiences and make connections with other veterans.

Peter Cirelli reflects on time in WWII as he ran a Toyko kitchen for Army General Douglas MacArthur and created unlikely friendships.

Being recognized as a 50-year continuous member of Dixon American Legion Post 12 was something that Charlie “Chuck” Willett said surprised him and he was honored to receive.

“I remember my first sight of the shop and it shocked me,” he recalled. “It was in dry dock for repairs, just coming home from a major battle and had suffered heavy damage. Being young, I believe I realized for the first time how serious things could get.”

The Valor Support Project takes requests for assistance from veterans in the Sauk Valley. Headed up by retired Army Sgt. Floyd Dunn of Sterling, it is a non-profit organization aimed at assisting veterans facing financial, physical and mental health challenges.

Dave Anderson and Karen Pielin’s digging into their parents’ scrapbooks and photos provided them an in-depth look at what life was like for a young couple during World War II, and now they’re working on a book of their own.

An idea discussed one night by two veterans, Max Valdez and Joe Guereca, at the Coal City Area Club was brought to life in just a few weeks. Leading to the first Operation Firm Handshake Veterans Picnic in 2013.

Who are the veterans honored on the flagpole at Immaculate Conception church? Morris resident Rick Martino works with the Veterans Legacy Center to find out.

The Tag-a-Long Dog Park at 605 Michael St. is a product of volunteerism around Morris, first springing up as a Girl Scout project from Emily Lamaze before it took on a life of its own, becoming the pet project of area resident Jerry Cyrkiel.

The 40&8 isn't new to Morris as a veteran group, but it was revived in 2018 by Jerry Terando, Steve Huetteman and Chef de Gare of Voiture Rob Dettman.

Mike Kenyon, a U.S. Army veteran from South Elgin, served nearly two decades on the Kane County Board, and nearly 10 years with the Kane County Farm Bureau.

Maggie Hill followed her aunt into the service and deployed to Kuwait for 10 months in 2014. Now Hill, a 2005 Oswego graduate, is a mentor to teens as a special education teacher at the high school and Oswego’s cheerleading coach.

While combing through old things at the sale, John Wright of DeKalb, local collector of historical military artifacts, found something he’d never encountered: a nearly completely filled out World War I Service Record. It details the life of Sgt. Albert Walter Leonhard.

Jason Stucky credits his time in the military with leading him to a fulfilling career and a loving family.

As an optometrist, Ronald Weingart wants to improve the quality of life for the patients he sees.

The Marines called him “Gramps” – Gordon Parks was only 23 – but the moniker was respectful. After two tours in Vietnam, Parks carried himself with authority and even his commanding officer took note.

Cpl. Ronald Baker was killed by German forces in August 1944 in an area of northwest France.

The only Revolutionary War veteran buried in Whiteside County was honored Saturday, Oct. 5, by the Kishwaukee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, which installed a commemorative plaque at a cemetery southeast of Albany.

Newman assistant football coach Todd Messer brings a valuable perspective as a marine veteran and retired police officer.

Marseilles resident Jack Leininger, a native of Varna, saves thousands of live with his rescue helicopter in Vietnam.

He took one look at the sea, dreamed of a Navy career and finished as chief after 20 years' service. Oglesby Mayor Jason Curran encourages almost any young person to try military service, but cautions that family life with the service can be complicated and stressful.

Have leftover Halloween candy? Want to donate to a veteran fund for local residents? That and other ways to support your veterans in DeKalb County here.

Dezaraé Haley was bestowed with military honors for her service in Iraq and for risking her life to save a fellow serviceman. She now runs a local business in DeKalb.

Longtime Crystal Lake resident Donna Vestal comes from a long line of veterans, and her daughter also had a long military career: “I think everybody should go.”

Westmont’s Andrew Monroe’s military career with the U.S. Army spanned more than 20 years and took him all over the world.

Buttell said being a fighter pilot is the common bond, that being part of a group of people your age with a common background and a common cause is almost like being on a sports team.

The Meyers brothers of Yorkville all served in the military.

Richard Phannenstill worked for decades to raise funds for a memorial honoring his classmates who died in Vietnam. A portion of those funds, raised 10 years ago, went to Veterans Path to Hope this year.

Air Force veteran dedicates himself to various causes that help vets, students

Army vet Dave Werdin’s name has become so synonymous with Kaneville that the Kaneville Township Community Center is also known as the Dave Werdin Community Center.

Diane Ahrens spent 15 years shipping goodie boxes to troops overseas while running her East Dundee bakery. When she closed the business, she found another way to give back to those who have given of themselves to the country.

U.S. Air Force veteran went on to serve in the Batavia police force for 30 years.

Oswego Police Department Deputy Chief Shane Yackley spent his 27th birthday flying into Kuwait as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chaplain Ken Hauser, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Viet Nam where half his unit was killed or injured, has prayed with countless number of veterans and civilians grieving and struggling with personal conflicts.

Mendota native Chad Hochstatter credits his four years in the Marine Corps for setting him on the right path. Now, he's the school resource officer at Mendota High School and is heavily involved in youth sports in town as a board member and coach of several sports.

Streator boys and girls soccer coach J.T. Huey served in the Army and was stationed in the Diyala Province, which at the time hotbed of the Iraqi insurgency, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom after the 9/11 attacks.

Plainfield native and Air Force veteran Michael Collins was a Plainfield police officer, Illinois state trooper, volunteer Plainfield firefighter, trustee of the Plainfield Fire Protection District and the village of Plainfield, and served three terms as Plainfield president.

Joliet-area veterans soon will have a new place to socialize and access services targeted to their needs – through the efforts of AllenForce.

Dr. Joseph Hindo, chief of medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps veteran said service "is part of us being human."

Nate Atkinson served two tours in Iraq and has traveled all over the world. Now, he's leading the way as the Joliet West girls track coach.

Westmont's Dan Lacy has relied his legal skills in military and civilian life alike

Carol Chandler organized Vietnam Valor, which took place March 30 at Dixon VFW Post 540. Around 50 people attended.

Veteran and Island Lake resident Robin Waltrip paved the way for woman in the army and she’s still making a difference by helping out with Habitat for Humanity.

At 105 years old, World War II veteran John “Jack” Connerton is proud to still be able to drive himself around DeKalb County. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1919, he said he remembers his time serving at a London base during the war.

Unserviceable U.S. flags are getting a second chance to perform one final duty, thanks to the Farewell Flags initiative started at Patrick Fegan American Legion Post No. 83 earlier this year.

Dominy served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army’s 87th Engineering Battalion. When he came home, he began serving Plano from the school board.

Rochelle couple use their WWII vehicles in reenactments and parades

Last fall’s fire at the Morris VFW Post 6049 building was an upending experience for the more than 100 active members who have been an active part of the organization.

Hugo Gonzalez, a 13-year Marine veteran, hasn't stopped his work just because he's officially retired from his service.