Over There: Minooka graduate returns to U.S. from service

Army Spec. Elizabeth M. Albert returned to the U.S. after a deployment overseas at a forward operating base to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Operating Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. …

Over There: World War II vet one of the generation’s heroes

Clarence Hambrick is a well-loved combat veteran who served in the Army during World War II in the China-Burma Theater. Hambrick enlisted July 8, 1944, and he entered cavalry basic training as a private.

Excelling in his training and marksmanship, he received advanced training to …

Over There: Help is available for war veterans

We must not forget the sacrifices our veterans have made to keep our country safe.

To that end, Robert Hart of the American Association for Wartime Veterans will present a free informational seminar titled “Aid and Attendance” at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Timbers of …

Over There: Marines complete challenging team-leader course

It was a chilly, late January day. Two Marines using a defense-advanced GPS receiver worked their way through the Cherry Point Carolina pines in North Carolina.

Cpl. Adam Mastrogiovanni of Joliet and Lance Cpl. Larry Holmes, gunners with the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, …

Over There: New agency aids veterans

Bounce Back Social Services, 1256 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, a not-for-profit organization, opened its doors for business Feb. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The purpose of the charitable organization is to provide assistance to military veterans, military dependents (women, men and children) and any people …

Over There: Man promoted in U.S. Air Force

Congratulations to John K. Reed, son of Sandy L. Reed of Morris, who was promoted to chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Reed is a fuels manager assigned to the 38th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. He has served in the …

Over There: Dad’s medal completes collection

Dr. Tom Streitz, a retired dentist from Joliet, finally received his late father’s Silver Star. When Streitz’s dad died, he could not find this medal, so he decided to order it to place in his dad’s ribbon collection. It took him nearly six months to …

Over There: Pilot films ‘Top Gear’ scenes

Army Warrant Officer Nathanael Greene of Joliet had the opportunity to pilot one of the Kiowa Helicopters filmed in the program “Top Gear” that aired Feb. 5 on the History Channel. The filming was of scenes of the OH-58 Kiowa helicopter from the 159th Combat …

Over There: Army vet pleased with service from the VA

Floyd Garrett of Elwood likes the service he receives from the Glenwood Veterans Administration in Joliet and also at the Manteno and Hines medical facilities.

“I am called twice a year to the VA for lab work and doctor reviews for lab work. The really …

Over There: U.S. Navy petty officer returns from overseas

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Petronio, the son of Joseph and Diane Petronio of New Lenox, returned from an eight-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, which completed her 25th and final deployment after 51 …

Over There: Local Vietnam vet who served on rifle squad dies

U.S. Army veteran John J. Krokar passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, at home following a brief illness. His loving companion, Diana Schmitt, was at his side.

During Krokar’s military service, he was assigned to a rifle squad while serving with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, …

Over There: Man promoted to staff sergeant

Congratulations to Daniel Banas, who was promoted in August to staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Banas is the son of proud parents Thomas and Patricia Banas of Channahon.

Prior to serving in the Army, Banas has also served a four-year tour in the U.S. …

Over There: Army captain visits home for the holidays

Home for the holidays from Dec. 18 to 27 was U.S. Army Capt. Matthew D. Davis, son of Ann Marie and John Davis of Joliet.

Davis graduated from West Point, where he was commissioned as an officer and had to serve a five-year commitment in …

Over There: Local residents join Air Force

Several local heroes have joined the U.S. Air Force.

They have all have worked hard, earning their respect in wearing the uniform for this wonderful country we live in. More importantly, they all have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in …

Over There: Support troops with care package donation

Shorewood Knights of Columbus, Bishop L. Kaffer Assembly 3232, will sponsor a care package drive to support the troops from Jan. 7 through Feb. 1.

Items needed are general hygiene items, insect repellent, eye drops, men’s and women’s deodorants, shampoo, toothpaste, razors, wet wipes, soap, …