Veterans

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

With his video camera in hand, DeKalb resident Mike Tritle strives to shine a spotlight on veterans events in the community.

Veterans of wars from two different centuries are buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, and DeKalb County locals are trying to keep their legacies in living memory.

On a cloudy Sunday morning in DeKalb, more than 100 people set off together, some outfitted in military regalia hoisting American flags while others pushed their children in strollers. The weather was fitting imagery for the day’s mission, lead organizer Cindy Hupke said.

A formerly homeless veteran who served overseas in Iraq credited the Family and Friends Homeless Veterans Program in Joliet with helping him get his life back together.

Hope Manor Joliet has been providing housing and access to services for veterans experiencing homelessness in Will County since 2017.

Meet Matt Quitno: A former Navy Petty Officer turned DeKalb freshman football coach. After a transformative military experience that taught him resilience and teamwork, he's using those lessons still today.

When visitors enter Jerry Busby’s basement, they’re greeted with walls filled with military memorabilia as an ode to service members from across the decades, carefully curated by a fellow soldier. "Jerry’s nearly got a whole museum," friend Bill O’Neill said.

Whether fishing, hiking, kayaking or playing video games, Josh Deron shares what helps him navigate life after the military in hopes of helping other veterans and their families connect and heal. He works with Veterans Path to Hope.

Coal City Mayor David Spesia and Village Trustee CJ Lauterbur spent their youths in the military, but they've since stepped into a different kind of service in helping the Village of Coal City function.

John Kestel, who returned home from service in Vietnam on Christmas Eve 1967, has spent years working to benefit his fellow veterans.

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.

Rochelle couple use their WWII vehicles in reenactments and parades

Read thank you letters to Ottawa area veterans in our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Read Sauk Valley area thank you letters to Veterans in our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Read Daily Chronicle area thank you letters honoring Veterans in our 2024 Thank You Veterans special section

Read thank you letters to Kendall County veterans for our 2024 Thank You Veterans special section

Read thank you letters to Grundy County area veterans in our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Read Bureau County area thank you letters honoring our veterans for our 2024 special section of Thank You Veterans

Read thank you letters to McHenry County area veterans in our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Read thank you letters to Will County area veterans in our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Read thank you letters to La Salle County veterans in the NewsTribune area for our 2024 special section: Thank You Veterans

Thank you letters to Kane County veterans for our 2024 special section of Thank You Veterans

The DeKalb County 24-Hour Veterans Vigil began with an opening ceremony Friday at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.

Shaw Local News Network is honoring veterans across DeKalb County. Check out photos by Daily Chronicle photographers for our Thank You, Veterans edition.

Those involved with Libertyville’s veteran-owned Hot Ground Gym say it’s more than just a gym.

Midwest Veterans Closet will host a Veterans Day grocery giveaway Nov. 7.

Veterans and active duty military members can enjoy discounted or free meals on Monday, Nov. 11.

Events planned for Leaf River, Oregon, Polo, and Rochelle

The McHenry VFW's Queen of Hearts jackpot is once again topping $1 million and has rolled over yet again in the latest drawing. Here's all you need to know about the game.

A number of Veterans Day events are planned throughout the day, and preceding weekend in DeKalb County.

On Monday, Nov. 11, customers can help support the Whiteside County Honor Flight program when they make a purchase from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Culver’s, 1901 Harley Davidson Drive in Rock Falls.

McHenry honors Ben Keefe, VFW Post 4600 Commander who died Sept. 2. Keefe was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Somalia and Haiti.

Area veteran organizers are again collecting unused, leftover Halloween candy through Nov. 15 that will be donated to military personnel deployed overseas. Here's where you can drop off candy or thank you cards.

The DeKalb and Sycamore Elks Lodges will host their annual Veterans Day Dinner for local veterans. The dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at Lincoln Inn at Faranda’s, 302 Grove St., DeKalb.

The American Legion will serve roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, roll, vegetable, salad and dessert from 5-7 p.m. Friday.

Plans for a four-story building on the former Silver Cross Hospital campus in Joliet would house Will County Veterans Assistance Commission and other agencies.

The Dixon American Legion will serve lasagna, garlic bread, salad and dessert from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.

Keynote speaker will be former U.S. Navy Corpsman Raymond Torres.

Tickets are still available for the 2024 “Brats Bourbon, and Brews” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. Proceeds help two organizations that serve veterans.

The Village of Antioch Board at its regular Oct. 9 meeting approved an ordinance that waives building permit fees for disabled veterans of any of disability.

The Dixon American Legion will have its German Fest from 5-7 p.m. Friday.

The Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center will join with the Grundy County Veterans Assistance Commission for a program on Monday Oct. 7 at the Channahon Village Hall.

Comedian Bobby Henline, a friend of the late McHenry VFW Commander Ben Keefe, will appear at fundraiser for Keefe's family following his death at age 50.

As the calendar turns to fall, it’s time for Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners to kick off this year’s “Coats for Vets” collection drive.

Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital has expanded operating hours at its six suburban outpatient clinics, including the Joliet location.