MANTENO, IL — The family of a fallen soldier and Mokena native continues to keep his memory alive with an annual motorcycle and car ride uniting supporters and community members.
Set for Saturday, Aug. 15, the Our Fallen Hero Foundation Motorcycle and Car Ride honors PFC Aaron Toppen, who died in June 2014 in an incident of friendly fire while stationed in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.
Toppen had been on a special mission to secure the area for an upcoming election, and died alongside four other Americans and an Afghan interpreter. He was 19 years old.
His death left his hometown stunned and heartbroken, but spurred many to action in his memory and in support of the veteran community.
Family and friends, intent on paying forward the support received from Toppen's hometown, began holding fundraising events within months of Aaron's death, leading to the creation of the Our Fallen Hero Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in the spring of 2018.
One of the foundation's largest fundraisers, the motorcycle and car ride celebrates its 11th anniversary this year.
Registration is still open for the event, held at the Manteno Sportsmen's Club. Motorcycles and cars are invited to join the ride, which leaves the venue at 10 a.m. for a fully escorted ride to Abraham Lincoln Cemetery and back to the club for an after-party at noon.
All are welcome to the after-party, which features live music, lunch, raffle baskets, silent auction and a liquor wagon raffle.
EVENT SCHEDULE
A remembrance ceremony will be held at 1 p.m., with performances from Band of Brothers Bagpipes and Drums and an appearance by the Mokena VFW Post 275 Color Guard.
McCarthy Brigade—a Chicago-area service group comprised of military, law enforcement and fire personnel—will make a special flag presentation to the Toppen family. Named after World War II Medal of Honor recipient and Chicago firefighter Joseph McCarthy, the group conducts flag-raising ceremonies, honors fallen service members and 9/11 victims, and supports Gold Star families. The flag given to the family was flown during a combat mission in 2018, and was later blessed during a 9/11 ceremony at Ground Zero in New York.
McCarthy Brigade was instrumental in the passing of Illinois House Resolution 864 in May 2026. The measure declared the month of June as Illinois Fallen Heroes Month, to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes across the state, Pam Toppen said.
Also featured at the event will be a specialty beer brewed in collaboration with Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company in New Lenox.
Arrowhead Ales owner Mike Bacon brewed Hazy IPA "Infantry," hopped with Idaho 7, Mosaic and Bravo. The beer's label design includes photos of Toppen and a message to those holding the can.
"Enjoy this beer while thinking of those who have given their all for your freedoms," the label reads. "Never forget those who put themselves in harm's way to protect you. Always take a sip for yourself, and one for those no longer with us. And when you run out, grab another and continue sipping."
The beer will be available for consumption and resale at the event. Bacon first brewed the beer for the family in 2025, and said he was thrilled to bring it back again.
"Pam reached out to see if we'd be interested in bringing Infantry back again this year, and of course we didn't hesitate," he said. "It means a lot to us to be able to support their cause and help keep Aaron's memory alive through something we can share with the community."
"We are so excited that Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company once again agreed to brew Infantry Beer in memory of PFC Aaron Toppen," Pam Toppen said.
Volunteers are still sought for the day, and organizers can provide proof of community service hours. Raffle and silent auction items are accepted through Aug. 14, as well.
Sponsors are also still welcome. Email ourfallenherofoundation@gmail.com for more information.
"We cannot do what we do if it wasn't for our wonderful sponsors and donations," Toppen said.
Proceeds from this year's event go to USO Illinois. Since 1941, the USO has been the nation's leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform, according to the organization's website.
As of December 2025, the Our Fallen Hero Foundation has raised $502,705 for charities, including:
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