J.R. Martinez says he used to worry that his appearance would frighten children. Now he proudly embraces the rippled burn scars that cover much of his face, hands and other body parts. In 2003, the former Army infantryman, now 28, was badly burned by a landmine in Iraq. Martinez survived the injury and overcame the […]
Army
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The Forgotten War
During the cold December of 1951, 12 Illinois military service members lost their lives in the Korean War. Those Marines and Army troops from Illinois were among 1,754 Illinoisans and the 54,246 Americans killed 60 years ago in “The Forgotten War” that ran from June 1950 to July 1953. To remember the 60th anniversary of […]
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Patriot Guard watches over military funerals
About 100 somber men and women in black leather vests line every pathway in front of the cream-colored funeral home in Chatham. On every vest is a collection of colorful patches proclaiming the wearer’s religion, military service and other affiliations and creeds. Most arrived earlier that day on rumbling motorcycles, and each now holds an […]
