Veterans Day Photos, Tributes From Illinois Patch Readers

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Veterans Day is a time to celebrate those who have served in the United States military, a segment of the population that is all too often overlooked and underappreciated. To honor our veterans, we asked Illinois Patch readers to send photographs and stories about the veterans they love, respect and admire.

Take a moment to read through these tributes, and then take a moment of silence, if you'd like, to commemorate those veterans who sacrificed their time, their bodies and even their lives to serve our country.

Louis Karmis, Wheaton

Corporal Louis Karmis, of Wheaton, served in the United States Army Battery C, 951st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in World War II. Karmis received the Silver Star for saving an injured man in the midst of point-blank fire, his daughter told Patch.

"Corporal Karmis's gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army," Military Times wrote.

Karmis, who lived to be 100 years old, died in 2019.

Anthony F. Witczak, Peru

Anthony F. Witczak, of Peru, served in the United States Navy from 1944 through 1946.

Tony's daughter, Teresa Larson told Patch, "In September 2016, Senator Sue Rezin had a portion of 251 in LaSalle County named after my father and his brothers. He was the only living one in his family to be able to see the dedication. He was so proud."

David DietSchweiler

David Dietschweiler served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 through 1971, his family members Tracy, David, Eric and Tara Dietschwieler told Patch.

They added, "Today is a day we acknowledge you and all of the veterans who have served our country. Thank you for your service and every thing you do for our family. We love you."

Fred Guendling Jr., Mokena

Fred Guendling Jr., of Mokena, served in the U.S. Army's 4th Division Artillery Battalion for two years during the Korean conflict, his daughter Brenda told Patch. He graduated first in his class with high honors, she said.

He later went on to serve as adjutant for Mokena's VFW for more than 25 years. Brenda wrote, "[M]y father is my hero! He is an awesome, so talented and a born leader. He has been married to my mother Ardith for over 65 years!"

Fred hopes to return to Mokena to attend the 2021 Veterans Day ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery.

Francis, William and Robert Callaghan

Francis Callaghan (left), of LaGrange, served in the United States Army during World War II. His brother, William (middle), of Orland Park, served in the Air Force during World War II. Their brother, Robert (right), of LaGrange in the Korean War.

Tyler VerGowe, Western Springs

Tyler VerGowe, of Western Springs, served in the U.S. Army from 2008 through 2011. His mother, Harriet VerGowe, writes, "Tyler spent a year in Afghanistan in a very dangerous area. It was the hardest year of my life, but he came home safe.

Tyler is my son and came to us from Korea. When in Afghanistan, the Afghans would ask him why he was there? He fought for his adopted country, the USA. He is my hero and always will be my favorite Veteran."

Captain Michael Barrows, Homewood

Dr. Michael Barrows, of Homewood, served in the First Medical Battalion, First Infantry Division of the United States Army Dental Corps from 1973 to 1975.

Dr. Barrows writes, "My wife and I are very proud of my service as I volunteered and signed a commission in dental school during the years of the Vietnam War when the military was treated in an awful manner and hatred by many in the US. I served at Fort Riley Kansas (where the picture was taken) and went to REFORGER ’74 which was a NATO exercise war game in Germany in September 1974. I served with pride and honor and received my Honorable Discharge in 1978."

Sean Davis, New Lenox

Sean Davis, of New Lenox, served in the U.S. Navy from 1991 through 2002. His wife, Stacy, writes, "He followed in his father's footsteps in serving his country. He is honest, loving, caring and a wonderful person. I am truly blessed to have him in my life! "

Rey Gonzalez

Rey Gonzalez, of Homewood, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years. His family, Alma, Manuel and John write, "We are so proud of our hero. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service!"

James A. Youker, Sr., Wheaton

James A. Youker, Sr., served in the U.S. Army from 1943 through 1946.

His daughter, Dr. Carol Youker, writes, "Aside from being my parents, as veterans they have always been heroes to me. They instilled in me enduring values of respecting our country and sacrificially doing what needs to be done when injustice need to be addressed without thought or regard for their own comfort. God bless all of our veterans!"

Constance V. Youker (nee Craddle), Wheaton

Constance V. Youker (nee Craddle), of Wheaton (formerly of Centenary, Indiana), served in the U.S. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps from 1944 through 1946.

Her daughter, Dr. Carol Youker, writes, "Aside from being my parents, as veterans they have always been heroes to me. They instilled in me enduring values of respecting our country and sacrificially doing what needs to be done when injustice need to be addressed without thought or regard for their own comfort. God bless all of our veterans!"

John Reinert, Alsip

John Reinert, of Alsip, served 15 years in the Army Reserves, is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Color Guard American Legion post 854.

Maureen Reinert writes, "He’s a guy you can always count on if you need a hand with something. I’ve had people that were in the war with him say they wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He has a great sense of humor and is always quick with a joke."

Max Motrenko

Max Motrenko has served in the U.S. Navy since February 2013. He does launch and recovery on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. His mother, Marina, writes, "From 2018 to November 1, 2021 he was assigned to Oceana Naval Base is Virginia Beach, Virginia, doing launch and recovery of aircrafts. Now he was assigned to new era aircraft carrier, John F. Kennedy, Norfolk, Virginia, where he will serve for next 5 years."

Gary Strothman, Daphne, Alabama and Nino Strothman, Plainfield

Gary Strothman, of Daphne, Alabama served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years. His son, Nino Strothman, of Plainfield, served in the Navy for five years. Nino writes, "Gary Strothman is my father. He adopted me when I was four. He has been a guiding light and inspiration for me ever since. He inspired me to follow in his footsteps in joining the Navy. He means so much to me because he made me the person I am today. His wisdom, support and love have been a constant throughout my life in good times and in bad. I am proud that he is a veteran and proud to call him my dad."

Mark White, Jr.

Mark White, Jr. served four years in the Air Force and was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey. HIs wife, Dawn, writes, "Mark loves his country and what we stand for. He is an amazing son, husband, father and friend to many. He shares what he learned in the armed forces with all who come his way. Love you Mark!"

Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis

Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis served in the U.S. Army for 23 years and was assigned to the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 attacks.

His wife, Sharon Harmon, writes, "I would love to tell you about my husband, Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis! He served in the Army for almost 23 years and was assigned to the Pentagon when it got attacked on September 11th. He received awards and medals for his bravery and selflessness helping others that day. Now he likes to spend his time talking at schools helping kids understand what September 11th was about because they were either too young or not even born yet. He also loves to talk with other veterans and seniors, because everyone remembers where they were that day. He collaborated with other September 11th survivors from the attacks on the World Trade Center and they just published a book telling us the heart-wrenching details of what they saw and felt that day, '9/11 Survivor's Stories - Midwest Memories'. Proceeds from the book go back to the non-profit which enables them to continue talking with groups and educating kids.

Dave Wolfe, Evergreen Park

Dave Wolfe, of Evergreen Park, served five years in the U.S. Navy. His wife, Shari, writes, "I am so glad to have met my husband while he was serving in San Diego CA aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He is a proud Veteran and American, and his children and I are proud of him!"

Master Sergeant Robert A. Varney, Oak Park

Master Sergeant Robert A. Varney served in the US. Army from 1942 through 1946.

His daughter, Lisa Beckwith, writes, "This veteran means so much to me because he enlisted in the army to defend our country during WWII. He and his brother served together, which was very difficult on his mother who had lost her brother, Harold Jauch, from Oak Park, IL, in France in World War I. She remained supportive and extremely proud to have both of her sons serving in the United States Army. Our family's service to our country continued with Robert's grandson serving in the US Marines."

Beckwith added, "This veteran means so much to me because he enlisted in the army to defend our country during WWII. He and his brother served together, which was very difficult on his mother who had lost her brother, Harold Jauch, from Oak Park, IL, in France in World War I. She remained supportive and extremely proud to have both of her sons serving in the United States Army. Our family's service to our country continued with Robert's grandson serving in the US Marines."

Abel Torres, Joliet

Abel Torres, of Joliet, has served in the Air Force for 17 years. His wife, Alyssa Torres, writes, "Abel goes beyond and above in everything he does, whether it’s for his country or his family. He’s such an amazing man, and I’m blessed to call him my husband!"

Larwrence F. Crone, Lake Forest

Lawrence F. Crone, of Lake Forest, served in the Air Force from 1951 through 1955 during the Korean War. Liz Geschiedle writes,

"He has remained active in the American Legion McKinlock Post 264 since leaving the service. He is selfless and has given of himself his entire life. With a profession as a mail carrier he cared for those he delivered mail to in many ways, he has served as a volunteer for the American Legion earing the title of 'Mr. Legionnaire', ran weekly Bingo Nights at the VA Hospital for 30 plus years and was a dedicated usher and volunteer at First Presbyterian Church, where he has been a member for almost 80 years.

The selfless service he has given to our country and community is a true inspiration. He is humble, faithful, giving, positive role model for all who know him. Our family has been blessed to have gotten to know him through the years."

Jeffrey Dement, Plainfield

Jeff Dement, of Plainfield, served in the Marine Corps from 1966 through 1968 and served in the Vietnam War.

His wife, Carolyn, writes, "He was in many operations, including Operation Buffalo and Khe Sanh. He was the recipient of three Purple Hearts.We were married on Memorial Day 1966 just before he left for Vietnam. After his time in the Marine Corps we moved to Plainfield where we joined the Plainfield United Methodust Church, raised our family and Jeff served his community as a Village Trustee for 22 years. He is retired from IBEW Local 701, Wheaton."

Aldo Biagioni, DePue

Aldo Biagioni, of DePue, served in the Army's 82nd Airborne in World War II and earned a Purple Heart. Aldo, who turned 100 on May 20, 2021, is the "oldest member of our family," Linda Christy writes.

Richard E Zeiders, Juniata County, Pennsylvania

Richard E. Zeiders, of Juniata, Pennsylvania, served in the Korean War. His family writes, " He was a Korean War Veteran in the railway division and passed away last December from COVID. His service was a major honor and pride for him. The second photo is my father at his home prior to deployment. The first photo is of his medals from his service in Korea. The papers for his honors were missing due to a fire or disaster to the government office where they were being held. After a request by his sons to the Veterans Department the medals' verifications were finally confirmed and sent to him. The joy and pride in his eyes when shown they had finally arrived and presented to him during his late 80s is something I will always remember with love and pride for him and his service."

Robert R. Harvey, Oswego

Robert R. Harvey, of Oswego, served in the Navy from 1942 through 1946. His daughter, Carol Gardner, writes, "I never realized how much my father went thru during WWII until I received 19 letters he wrote from basic training through his involvement in the Pacific. I was blessed to learn his thoughts and feelings during this troubled time. I am so very proud of him and miss him every day."

Richard M. Gardner, Oswego

Richard M. Gardner, of Oswego, served in the U.S. Army from 1966 through 1968. His wife, Carol, writes, "I am very proud of the work my husband does for other veterans. Being with his 'band of brothers' gives him peace. Vietnam veterans are a special group, and I am happy they are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Take time to thank a Veteran for their service. It means a lot to them."

James Needham

James Needham served in the Marines from 1942 through 1946. His daughter, Rebecca Needham Price, writes,

"My father grew up on a cotton field in Blytheville, Arkansas. He was 16 when Pearl Harbor happened and he tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the US Marines. When he turned 17 he forged his mother's signature and he was accepted. He was sent to Guadalcanal in the Pacific Ocean. While there he contracted malaria and was not able to ship out when scheduled.

When he did arrive stateside he met my mother, Shirley, who was from the Chicago area. After a few years in Los Angeles they returned to Chicago and spent their 52 years of marriage in Lockport, Illinois. My father never liked to talk about his service and I was not allowed to watch war movies. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned the sacrifices he had made."

Harold Bogigian, Hinsdale

Harold Bogigian, of Hinsdale, served in the Navy in 1942 during World War II, his daughter Cathy writes.

Al Krause Jr., Glen Ellyn

Al Krause, Jr., of Glen Ellyn, served in the Air Force for 25 years. His family, Eleanor, Kimberly, Jen and Chris, writes, "My Dad's strength, perseverance, and wicked sense of humor has reminded our family we can handle anything life throws at us, and helps us remember to keep laughing. We love and admire him more every day."

Rich DeHeer, Chicago

Rich DeHeer, of Chicago, served in the Air Force from 1968 through 1972. His wife, Sue, writes, "Rich is my husband of 50 years. We were engaged when he left for Thailand in 1969. He means the world to me and I’m so grateful he came back from the war."

Ruth L. Holmberg Burns, Frankfort

Ruth L. Holmberg Burns, of Frankfort, served in the Army as a tech sergeant from 1942 through 1944. Her daughter, Charlene Stewart, writes, "This is my incredible mom and we are so very proud of her. She resided in Frankfort Illinois from the 40’s until her death in 1982 But grew up in Minneapolis. She was very proud to serve her country and enlisted right along with her brother, Albert Holmberg. They were both Army sergeants."

Ken Abeling

Ken Abeling served in the United States Army Band for 34 years. His wife, Joanne, writes that Ken is her "favorite veteran" and that he arranged and played their wedding song at his retirement ceremony "instead of focusing on himself." As first sergeant in the band, Ken was "loved by his troops," she added.

James H. Woods, Frankfort

James H. Woods, of Frankfort, served in the Navy from 1968 through 1970. His daughter, Kathy Arduino, writes, "We're so proud of his sacrifice and dedication to serving our country. He served as an engine man on a PBR boat during Vietnam. While in Vietnam he received the purple heart, the combat action ribbon and the Vietnam service medal."

Betty Paps, LaGrange

Betty Paps, of LaGrange, served in the Air Force for 20 years. Her daughter, Nena Mihailovic, writes, "My mom, my hero."

Charles Reilly, Jr.

Charles Reilly, Jr., served in the Navy from 1959 through 1963. His wife, Roberta writes, "My husband was very proud to serve our country. He was in the Cuban Blockade. It was called 'The Blockade Jitters.' No one was sure what was going to happen. Scary times for him, his family and mine."

Casey J. Wozniak, Prescott, Arizona

Casey J. Wozniak served in the Marine Corps for more than four years. His family writes that he enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, fought in the Pacific Theater and survived combat in the Phillipines and Iwo Jima.

Charles J. Wozniak, Oak Forest

Charles Wozniak, of Oak Forest, served in the U.S. Army's tank corps for more than four years and enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, his family told Patch.

Robert J. Haynes, Oak Forest

Robert J. Haynes, of Oak Forest, served in the Air Force as a staff sergeant for more than four years and during the Korean conflict. His daughter, Michelle Haynes, writes, "He was the best and still is in our hearts."

Arthur Bierman, Chicago

Arthur Bierman was a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1942 through 1945. His daughter, Lois, writes, "This amazing man is 98 years old and the adored patriarch of our family. He was a radar technician in World War II. Because of his knowledge and willingness to serve our country, the soldiers on board the airplanes he worked on took off from and landed on Guadalcanal safely. He remains a proud Marine and we are so proud of him. This photo was taken at a military celebration in 2007, but even today, he is strong and has his original helmet within sight every day."

Thomas A. Grimmer

Thomas Grimmer joined the Navy in 1990 and served for 21 years, with six years of active duty and 15 years as a reservist. His mother, Jan Nieman, writes,

"During his active years he spent most of his enlistment at sea and traveled around the world. During his reserve time he was mainly assigned to Great Lakes Naval base. After 9/11 happened he and other reservists were sent to the Navy base at Rota, Spain. He and his fellow reservists were sent there to assist with security on the base. He returned home a year later. I am so proud of my son and of his time in the service. He was very honored to have joined the Navy and serve his country."

Ignazio Dattilo, Northlake

Ignazio Dattilo, of Northlake, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, his daughter, Valerie Snyder, writes.

Sergeant Snyder, Northlake

Sergeant Snyder, of Northlake, served in the Army and fought in the Vietnam War, his wife, Valerie, writes.

George Zaher, Chicago Ridge

George Zaher, of Chicago Ridge, served in the Army from 1941 through 1944. His daughter, Karen Forde, writes, "My father grew up in Pilsen during the Great Depression.George lost five siblings due to the pandemic and also lost his younger brother Charlie in World War II. My father joined the CCC ( the Dollar A Day Boys) and was sent to Wyoming in 1939. He sent 25 dollars a month home to his family to help out. My father kept five dollars. He served four years. He later went on to marry Suzanne, worked on average 60 hours a week at American Can Company and raised eight children. My father passed away September 30, 2019, just a couple days shy of his 98 birthday!I am so proud of my father and all that he sacrificed. We love you Dad!!"

Frank Trytek, Girard, Kansas

Frank Trytek, of Girard, Kansas, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His daughter, Linda Trytek, writes, "My father flew for the Kansas Civil Air Patrol as a teenager, so when he enlisted in the Army in WWII, he assumed he would be assigned to the Army Air Corps. He was told that they had enough pilots, but since he spoke Polish, he was asked if he was willing to learn Russian. He became a spy for the OSS, and was stationed in Scharding, Austria. No one there spoke Russian, and few people spoke English, except for a beautiful woman—my mother. I owe my life to the infinite wisdom of the United States Army."

Robert A. Baranski, Rockdale

Robert Baranski, of Rockdale and Joliet, served in the Navy, before fighting in the Korean War as a Marine. His daughter, Cynthia Baranski Casillas, writes, "This Veteran is special to me because he is my dad. This will be his first Veterans Day in Heaven."

Sgt. Mjr. Brian D. Curtis, Wheaton

Sgt. Mjr. Brian D. Curtis, of Wheaton, served in the National Guard for six years and served in the Army for 21 years. He worked in the explosive ordnance disposal unit and did two tours in Afghanistan, along with several other overseas missions. His sister, Nicole Curtis, writes, "He is the best brother a sister can hope for. A great American soldier. My best friend."