The DeKalb County Community Foundation is honored to announce the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund. This new Donor Advised Fund supports public memorials recognizing and honoring veterans throughout DeKalb County, IL.

“There is always more we can do to support and honor our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and willingness to serve their country,” remarked Michael Embrey, veteran group member. “Many gave their lives for something greater than themselves, our freedom. Saying ‘thank you for your service’ is a good start. We desire to do even more, embracing all of DeKalb County.”

The DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund committee (from left): Mike Coghlan, Ron Lofton, Michael Embrey, Jerry Smith, and Paul Jerde. Not pictured, Tom Pisapia.

Residents, including former military members and civilians, worked together to create the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund. Their shared goal is to ensure that veterans and their families in the greater DeKalb County area receive the recognition and honor they deserve. As a result of their hard work, the group has formed strong and respectful partnerships with community members, academic institutions, businesses, and civic leaders.

In addition, the group has completed a variety of recognition projects. A few of these projects include the downtown DeKalb veteran recognition banner project, Vets Way street designation, reserved parking spaces for veterans, the restoration of the downtown DeKalb Soldiers and Sailor Memorial Clock, and the DeKalb Elks Veterans Memorial.

The efforts of this local DeKalb veterans group received national recognition in 2023 when the veterans organization 40&8 honored the City of DeKalb not only as the Veteran City of the Year for Illinois but also selected DeKalb as the 2023 National City of the Year on September 15 at their annual convention in Sandusky, Ohio.

“We strive to increase the community’s awareness of veterans’ needs and issues,” said Tom Pisapia, veteran group member. “This Fund is the first endowment of its kind in DeKalb County. We hope others will join us to grow this Fund and its impact.”

For more information on the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund, please contact Fund representatives Michael Embrey at FunMEevents@aol.com or Jerry Smith at jerryfordekalb@gmail.com or visit dekalbcountyveterans.com.

“This Fund is making history today, here for the future, and honoring the past and those who served our country” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin. “We are honored to be stewards of this important Fund for generations to come.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to discuss setting up a Fund that aligns with your charitable interests, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.