Read about these local veterans

Robert Alsop CHAMPAIGN — At an outpost that could have been overrun any minute by t … By Paul Wood Joseph T. Houska WHITE HEATH — Now largely forgotten, the Suez Crisis threatened to set … By Paul Wood Lee Smith CHAMPAIGN — This draftee won a Bronze Star in Vietnam. Champaign Certi … By Paul Wood Hazel Peterson PAXTON — Talking with one tough Marine, it’s impressive that Hazel Pet … By Paul Wood David Stangl CHAMPAIGN — Whether it was protecting state-of-the-art weaponry or cha … By Paul Wood William Phalen MONTICELLO — Cpl. William Phalen served in the Marines as a helicopter … By Paul Wood Rudi Laufhutte CHAMPAIGN — Rudi Laufhutte survived a childhood in Germany where U.S. … By Paul Wood Carl Casella CHAMPAIGN — Hit by a series of kamikaze planes and bombs on one day, t … By Paul Wood Steve Bein FISHER — As a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and Army Reserv … By Paul Wood Les Gadbury MONTICELLO — It has been 72 years since Marine Cpl. Les Gadbury fought … By Paul Wood Royal P. Mortenson CHAMPAIGN — Col. Royal P. Mortenson served around the world during a 3 … By Paul Wood Robin Counce CHAMPAIGN — Robin Counce, who carried a grenade launcher in Vietnam, w … By Paul Wood