Read about these local veterans

Matthew Peek CHAMPAIGN — Staff Sgt. Matthew Peek was an eye — and ear — in the sky. … By Paul Wood Richard Cogdal URBANA — Besides winning medals for serving at sea off Iwo Jima and Ok … By Paul Wood Robert Wildemuth SAVOY — Robert Wildemuth crossed a lot of rivers during World War II, … By Paul Wood David E. Grogan URBANA — From blasting Somali pirates with Barry Manilow music 24/7 to … By Paul Wood Peter Thomas RANTOUL — When he heard the shout “incoming!”, Peter Thomas had the tr … By Paul Wood James Paul Lafary PAXTON — James Paul Lafary stayed on the ground, but saved many bomb c … By Paul Wood Yuki Llewellyn Yuki Llewellyn knows what it’s like to grow up in an interment camp. B … By Paul Wood Frances Schneider CHAMPAIGN — Not everybody who helps the U.S. cause in war wears a unif … By Paul Wood Joseph T. Houska WHITE HEATH — Now largely forgotten, the Suez Crisis threatened to set … By Paul Wood Royal P. Mortenson CHAMPAIGN — Col. Royal P. Mortenson served around the world during a 3 … By Paul Wood Roy Charles URBANA — As Marine Roy Charles fought his way across the Pacific, it b … By Paul Wood Gerald Brighton URBANA — Maj. Gerald Brighton served nearly all of World War II in the … By Paul Wood