The Veterans Dinner has been a tradition in Rockford for over 75 years. It began as a celebration of the Armistice of World War One and continues today to bring together area Veterans and people from the public and private sectors to honor all the Veterans in our community.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Captain Jason Church – Retired.

In May 2012, Second Lieutenant Church deployed with this unit to Afghanistan. On the August 23, 2012, in Panjwai (Pan-JA-Way) province, Jason and nine other members of his platoon were involved in an IED explosion. The IED blast resulted in the amputation of both legs below the knee. Jason went through 21 surgeries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. On July 31, 2014, First Lieutenant Church received his promotion to Captain and medically retired from the U.S. Army.

Captain Church’s military awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Airborne Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. He received the 2014 NCAA Inspiration Award and inducted into the Army ROTC National Hall of Fame, UW La Crosse ROTC Hall of Fame, and WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Hall of Fame.

Social hour and cocktails will begin at 5:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:45 pm. The Veterans Dinner Program will follow dinner. Tickets are available at a cost of $450 per table of 8 or $55 each. To purchase tickets contact Scott Lewandowski at (815) 969-1999.