13th Annual Veterans Appreciation Program,
"Honoring All Who Served" - November 9, 2025
It was once again a privilege to host our 13th Annual Veterans Day Tribute, with a number of speakers who shared stories about their military service or that of a family member. We are proud to offer this unique opportunity for our local veterans to share their personal memories.
Speakers included Carol Sheeley (Program Coordinator) and (GROUP PHOTO, L-R): Terry Charbonneau (MC, Marines), Wayland Middendorf (Marines, Army Reserves, Army Natl. Guard), Denise Martin (Air Force), Stacy Rubicon (Sherry Reherman Story), Chuck Ashley (Air Force), Jeff Farren (Bud Farren Story), Nancy Judge (Air Force)
Speakers and guests enjoyed displays of memorabilia and refreshments following the program.
Speakers included Carol Sheeley (Program Coordinator) and (GROUP PHOTO, L-R): Terry Charbonneau (MC, Marines), Wayland Middendorf (Marines, Army Reserves, Army Natl. Guard), Denise Martin (Air Force), Stacy Rubicon (Sherry Reherman Story), Chuck Ashley (Air Force), Jeff Farren (Bud Farren Story), Nancy Judge (Air Force)
Speakers and guests enjoyed displays of memorabilia and refreshments following the program.
The Chapel On the Green in Yorkville, Illinois, will be providing a Veteran’s Day Tribute ceremony on Sunday, November 9th for 6 different veterans to share their stories. This is more than honoring their service, it is recognizing that their lives represent the fabric of their community. Some veterans don’t often speak about their hardships that others cannot comprehend, so it is often very humbling and emotional to hear their experiences.
One story - of Emil "Bud" Farren - will be told by his son Jeff and daughter. He was a prisoner of war in the Army Air Corps in 1942 – 1945. Bud never discussed this with any of his children. Jeff has spent many years doing the research and has decided to tell his Dad’s story. Other speakers will be Chuck Ashley (Air Force); Wayland Middendorf (Marines, Army Reserves & Army National Guard); Nancy Judge (Air Force); Denise Martin (Air Force); and Sherry Reherman Story (Army).
The Chapel On The Green is located at 107 W. Center St, Yorkville, IL 60560.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
1:00 pm View Military artifacts & memorabilia display
2:00 pm Program of Veteran Speakers
Refreshments and Social Hour will follow the program.
One story - of Emil "Bud" Farren - will be told by his son Jeff and daughter. He was a prisoner of war in the Army Air Corps in 1942 – 1945. Bud never discussed this with any of his children. Jeff has spent many years doing the research and has decided to tell his Dad’s story. Other speakers will be Chuck Ashley (Air Force); Wayland Middendorf (Marines, Army Reserves & Army National Guard); Nancy Judge (Air Force); Denise Martin (Air Force); and Sherry Reherman Story (Army).
The Chapel On The Green is located at 107 W. Center St, Yorkville, IL 60560.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
1:00 pm View Military artifacts & memorabilia display
2:00 pm Program of Veteran Speakers
Refreshments and Social Hour will follow the program.
~ 2023 ~
WHEN: Sunday, November 12, 2023
1:00 p.m. - View military artifacts & memorabilia displays
2:00 p.m. - Hear Veterans discuss their service to our country
Social hour & refreshments to follow the program
WHERE: Chapel on the Green
107 W. Center St., Yorkville, IL
ADMISSION: FREE
*Veterans or active military personnel willing to speak about their experiences
are encouraged to contact Carol at: (630) 553-5163
1:00 p.m. - View military artifacts & memorabilia displays
2:00 p.m. - Hear Veterans discuss their service to our country
Social hour & refreshments to follow the program
WHERE: Chapel on the Green
107 W. Center St., Yorkville, IL
ADMISSION: FREE
*Veterans or active military personnel willing to speak about their experiences
are encouraged to contact Carol at: (630) 553-5163
~ 2022 ~
Veterans Day Tribute
On Sunday, November 13, the Chapel on the Green presented its 10th Annual Veterans Appreciation Program. As always, it is our privilege to honor the men and women who have given so much for the freedoms that we enjoy. This year, our six speakers shared memories of their service during WWII and the Vietnam era. Several of them set up displays of military memorabilia and medals, reference literature, and other fascinating items. We sincerely thank them for their participation, and also appreciate the veterans who volunteered to assist as greeters for the event. B.S.A. Troop 40 presented a color guard ceremony at the start of the program.
Members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces are invited and encouraged to share their unique experiences at our annual programs.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in speaking or exhibiting at a future Veteran Appreciation Program, please contact our program coordinator, Carol Sheeley, at (630) 553-5163 for more information.
Members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces are invited and encouraged to share their unique experiences at our annual programs.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in speaking or exhibiting at a future Veteran Appreciation Program, please contact our program coordinator, Carol Sheeley, at (630) 553-5163 for more information.
This year’s speakers, pictured above: Back row, L-R: Henry Cryder (Army/Army Res. and our Master of Ceremonies), Dr. Bill Hayden (Air Force), Jim Davidson (Army), and Tom Bulin (Marines). Front row, L-R: Rev. Bob Dell (Army Air Forces/A.F. Reserves), Terry Charbonneau (Marines), and Dick Miller (Navy).
