Forest View honors those who served

Forest View Mayor Nancy Miller welcomes Staff Sgt. Adrian Del Toro.

By Carol McGowan 

The Village of Forest View welcomed veterans, their families, and the community for their annual Veterans Day ceremony to honor all who served.

The annual ceremony took place on Veterans Day at 11 a.m. in front of village hall.

Mayor Nancy Miller welcomed everyone and thanked the veterans that were there saying it was a day to honor them and thank them for their service.

The Home Elementary School Choir sang the national anthem.

Several classes from the school walked over for the ceremony as they did last year.

Returning as guest speaker was Tony Zeman, from Brookfield Elks Lodge 1510. Also returning was state Rep. Aaron Ortiz who let everyone know that his office is available to assist veterans and their families.

Staff Sgt. Adrian Del Toro was the keynote speaker. He joined the Illinois National Guard in January of 2007.

He enlisted as an Aviation Operations Specialist and after graduating was deployed to peacekeeping operations in Kosovo from 2008-2009.  In 2012-2013, he would deploy to Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom.

He is now the noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Air Defense and Airspace Management/Brigade Aviation Element section with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Urbana.

Del Toro also trained and assisted in Ukraine deployment Operations in 2020-2021.

During his 15-year career. Del Toro has received multiple honors including the Army Achievement, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Service and Kosovo Campaign medals, Outstanding volunteer Service Ribbon and various coins from notable high-ranking individuals.

Del Toro spoke of what it meant to him to serve his country, and the importance of having a good support team for the military families while they are away.

Miller was proud to again hold what will now be an annual event.

“I thought it was better than last year,” she said.  “More people attending. We improved on some technical areas. Put up more tents and chairs. Decorated lawn area with flags.  Army National Guard vehicle added a nice touch. Ceremonies like this are very touching and emotional. I personally have the highest respect for veterans as my dad and all my uncles served in WWII. I hope I conveyed my appreciation as well as the appreciation and support the Village of Forest View has for all veterans.”

The Home Elementary School Choir sings the national anthem during Veterans Day ceremonies in Forest View.