In 1961, Jerry Smith was washing windows at a JCPenney in Dixon when he thought he caught a lucky break: He’d found a job at a shoe store that would pay him $60 a week. Fast forward a few decades to NIU, Army service in Germany, a mayoral term: "I have been so blessed," he said.

Wartime chronicles written by a Civil War veteran steeped in Sandwich history have been rediscovered by a Malta man who has a knack for finding historical items.

Air Force veteran Jen Solum head the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County, which plans to expand veterans services in 2025 as it moves into new building.

After serving as an Army sergeant, Floyd Dunn of Sterling is now serving again – this time by helping veterans face the hardships of life back home.

Keeping up a 85-year-old building is no small feat, yet Michael Farrari is working hard at it, as commander of the Geneva-Fox River American Legion Post 75.

Air Force veteran Jen Solum head the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County, which plans to expand veterans services in 2025 as it moves into new building.

Steve Huber served in the United States National Guard from 1979-2012, including 26 years of active duty. His service included deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and reaching the rank of brigadier general.

Erected in November 1896, the DeKalb County Soldiers and Sailors Monument – a memorial dedicated in ode to Civil War veterans – has a long history, once complicated by theft.

Reza Jaddi said he is a huge champion of Wounded Warrior Project, Romeoville American Legion Post 52 and any veteran Jaddi happens to meet. He even bought a Humvee in 2017 to give the community an idea of "what our veterans used out in the field," he said.