Read about these local veterans

Lee Smith CHAMPAIGN — This draftee won a Bronze Star in Vietnam. Champaign Certi … By Paul Wood Larry Soliday URBANA — Larry Soliday served in an elite unit that did everything fro … By Paul Wood Jeni Hunniecutt URBANA — The National Guard took Jeni Hunniecutt from being the first … By Paul Wood Dale Smutz DANVILLE — Join the Navy and see the world. That was no exaggeration f … By Paul Wood Richard Helfrich CHAMPAIGN — Lt. Col. Richard Helfrich served as an Army surgeon for 12 … By Paul Wood Robert Tuchel CHAMPAIGN — “I got shot up a lot, but I never got shot down,” says Cap … By Paul Wood Claude Coombs SAVOY — At Chanute Field, Claude Coombs trained air and ground crews i … By Paul Wood Les Gadbury MONTICELLO — It has been 72 years since Marine Cpl. Les Gadbury fought … By Paul Wood Fred Finn MONTICELLO — Fred Finn built roads and landing strips on the island of … By Paul Wood Richard Smith FARMER CITY — A Japanese destroyer dropped 14 depth charges in about a … By Paul Wood Omer Benn CHAMPAIGN — Omer Benn learned how to fly Navy planes during World War … By Paul Wood David Stangl CHAMPAIGN — Whether it was protecting state-of-the-art weaponry or cha … By Paul Wood