Mayor Says 'Fitting Moment' To Honor Glenview Military Members

GLENVIEW, IL — For the third straight year, the Village of Glenview recognized members of the U.S. military as part of the "Hometown Heroes" program. The 10 selected as part of the Class of 2026 were honored at Tuesday's board of trustees meeting.

The initiative is a result of a partnership between the Village and the Joseph M. Sesterhenn American Legion Post 166. Officials said "Hometown Heroes" is intended to honor U.S. military service members, past and present, who have lived in Glenview or share a strong local connection.

Each year, up to 10 honorees are selected through public nominations and recognized with boulevard banners displayed along Glenview Road.

"As the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary this year, it's a fitting moment to reflect on what has sustained this nation for two-and-a-half centuries," Village President Mike Jenny said at the meeting. "We often point to institutions and ideals, but in the end, it comes down to people. People who choose to serve, that's what brings us together tonight."

Jenny noted that since the program launched, 20 military members have been recognized. He added that the response has been "truly overwhelming."

According to the Village, the 2026 class represents the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, with service spanning nine decades. This year’s honorees include decorated combat veterans, navigators, specialists and more whose service took them across the globe before returning home to build lasting legacies in Glenview.

This year's honorees are:

• First Lieutenant John Beaulieu, U.S. Army – A decorated World War II B-29 navigator and
  bombardier who later became a respected Glenview banker and civic leader.
• Specialist Daniel Behnke, U.S. Army – A specialist turned counter-intelligence officer whose military service was followed by decades of public service and community life in Glenview.
• Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Brennan, U.S. Air Force – A highly decorated pilot and commander who supported major global military operations over a distinguished career.
• Petty Officer First Class Russell Dempsey, U.S. Navy – A longtime Naval Air Station Glenview air crewman whose decades of aviation service included global deployments and extensive training leadership.
• Private First Class James Douglas Sr., U.S. Army Air Corps – A World War II communications specialist who supported historic Pacific missions and remained a devoted Glenview community member for decades.
• Technician Fourth Grade John Olson, U.S. Army – A World War II automotive specialist who served in the Battle of the Bulge and supported Allied leadership during critical European campaigns.
• Sergeant James Riley, U.S. Army – A World War II and Korean War veteran whose service spanned Atlantic crossings, frontline combat, and decades of family life in Glenview.
• Chief Petty Officer James Rushmeyer, U.S. Navy – A Glenview native and Naval Air Station Glenview service member whose 24-year career reflected steadfast dedication to both country and community.
• Corporal Patrick Ryan, U.S. Marine Corps – A Marine sharpshooter whose service during the Vietnam era was followed by a global career and lasting roots in Glenview.
• Sergeant John Weber Jr., U.S. Marine Corps – A World War II veteran who saw intense Pacific combat and later built a lasting family legacy in Glenview.

In his remarks, Jenny mentioned the Naval Air Station Glenview, which closed in 1995 after 58 years of operation. The site was later redeveloped into a mixed-use community known as The Glen.

"Glenview's connection to military service runs deep, shaped in many ways in the legacy of the Naval Air Station Glenview. That chapter may have closed, but the connection did not," Jenny said. "If anything, it made our responsibility even clearer — to remember, to recognize and to give thanks to those who have served, are serving and those who gave their lives serving our country."

To nominate a Hometown Hero, read more about each of this year's class and read up on past honorees a glenview.il.us/hometown-heroes. The full ceremony is also available to watch online at glenview.il.us/meetings.