Since its inception in 2019, a DeKalb County court program that offers substance abuse and mental health resources as an alternative to significant jail time has helped more than two dozen local veterans find their footing.

Within the offices of DeKalb County government is a group run by veterans, for veterans, helping make civilian life back on the home front a little easier. It's called the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission.

Retired U.S. Marine Marshall Boyle, of DeKalb, said he believes his service to others didn't stop when he left the military, and won't stop until he's dead. "I don’t think I’ve considered my mission done until they put me in the ground," he said.

These DeKalb county-area business owners said their military service helped them find their footing as entrepreneurs in the community.

Voice of the Huskies. Radio legend. Goodbye Toledo. A lot of different images pop up when people think of NIU play-by-play broadcaster Bill Baker. Most, however, probably don’t think military cop.

Two women have made it their mission to help spearhead a local effort to combat veteran suicide rates in DeKalb County and beyond. Read on for more about the DeKalb American Legion's Be The One campaign:

DeKalb residents Mike and Karen Giuliano not only served their country willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, but they also found love along the way. Since retiring from the Air Force, they've found ways to continue putting service before self.

Jim Kush said he’s not a musician. He can’t read music. But three or four times a year, he sings the national anthem at Genoa-Kingston sporting events. That, he said, is how much he loves his country.

DeKalb resident and U.S. Army veteran Daniel “Doc” Habeel knows all too well about mental health problems and how the struggle with them can be all-consuming. He's turned those trials into triumphs for others.