DeKalb County Veterans

08/06/2026

How many NIU Marching Show Band remembers playing …
“In The Stone” …

08/01/2026

Thank You Tom & Jerry’s in Sycamore, Illinois

On July 22nd of this year, The Sycamore Tom and Jerry’s held a fund...

07/31/2026

A Hero Comes Home: Honoring SFC Jack Benton Andrew Baker

After nearly 75 years, DeKalb native Sergeant First Class Jack Benton Baker will finally be coming home.

Serving with Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment during the Korean War, SFC Baker demonstrated extraordinary heroism—earning the Silver Star on July 25, 1950, after voluntarily leading an assault against an enemy machine-gun position to save his fellow Soldiers. Just weeks later, on September 5, 1950, he was "MIA" reported 'Missing in Action'.

Through the dedicated efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and modern forensic science, SFC Baker was positively identified in 2025—fulfilling America’s promise to leave no one behind.

On early morning August 5, 2026, SFC Baker remains will be flown to Chicago O'hare Airport. A US Army military es**rt from O'hare will provide transportation (along with a DeKalb Police Es**rt) to Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb, Illinois. Various Veterans groups are encouraged to meet the es**rt when it arrives in DeKalb. (Details to follow.)

On August 8, 2026, SFC Baker will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb, beside his parents.
We honor his selfless service, courage, and ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget.

View SFC Jack Benton Baker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/21/2026

The "DeKalb County Veteran Recognition Fund" would like to acknowledge and express a special thank you to "Gary & Dawn Wexel" for their wonderful and generous donation to our fund.

"Gary & Dawn Wexel" are committed to supporting various Veteran Projects in the northern Illinois area.
Special recognition to "Gary & Dawn Wexel" for the donation and continued endorsement of our veteran commitment. As Gary Wexel is staging to retire, he and Dawn wanted to make an additional donation to our FUND, with a matching grant coming from Gary's employer later this year.

The "DeKalb County Veteran Recognition Fund" is supported by the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

To learn more about the "DeKalb County Veteran Recognition Fund" ... please contact:
Jerry Smith: [email protected] ... or
Michael Embrey: [email protected]

06/30/2026

Great Memories - Rose Parade 2022
Member of “Saluting America’s Band Directors Marching Band”.
Sadly the oldest Band Director 😂

06/10/2026

05/26/2026

America …

05/21/2026

DeKalb County is now a national “Purple Heart County”.
Congratulations All Veterans in DeKalb County who were awarded a Purple Heart during their military service for this honor.
Duty Honor Country

05/03/2026

Please support this project.

The Center for Women Veterans in partnership with the Office of Women’s Health announced the launch of a bold new national effort — Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative, “Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground.”

This national initiative aims to help the VA enroll one million women Veterans that are not currently using their VA benefits and services that they have earned and deserve. The summit will also focus on educating and assisting transitioning servicewomen, returning citizens and women Veterans with information on VA health care, benefits, pre-need services, program, and support services that may be new to them.

This initiative will be comprised of five regional summits throughout the United States.

First Stop is the Southwest! This summit will kick off in San Antonio, Texas at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, July 24, 2026, and Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Each summit will provide an opportunity for women Veterans to meet with representatives of VA and discuss issues related to their needs in the areas of employment, whole health, mental health, military sexual trauma, su***de prevention, entrepreneurial resources, and end of life planning, among other areas of focus.

As enrolled Boots on the Ground, the Center for Women Veterans needs you to find other Boots on the Ground that are not enrolled with VA and bring them with you to the Summit in July! You can help them feel comfortable getting the support and services that they need.

Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/bIpBmx5GL4oTJcmYk45h/

Additional details:
https://department.va.gov/center-for-women-veterans/million-women-veteran-enrollment-initiative-boots-on-the-ground-for-boot-on-the-ground-regional-summits/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRd0S9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEME1tbEtsaDZoT3JtcTdOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrSabRiyphjGdQyQvgY87CsJarDU-mLKwfK9JRnHAF0bkDbGkW9ANfFFDTay_aem_cHMefqllxvmAH3eqN6ckig

04/19/2026

A great concept for the State of Illinois
DeKalb County Veterans

Celebrate your service or the service of your loved one with an Armed Forces License Plate!

Plates are available in six styles – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard – and come with a sticker to indicate status, from ‘Active,’ to ‘Retired,’ to ‘Family’ and others.

Plates can be purchased by active-duty personnel, Veterans, as well as their family members.
Your celebration of service is also an act of service: purchase of an Armed Forces License Plate supports operations at the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake as well and provides support for other Veteran-focused programs.

For more information visit dva.wa.gov/license-plates/armed-forces-license-plates