Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute

05/29/2026

Thank you to the members of the Kaskaskia Valley Corvette Club for making us a stop on your drive yesterday! We’re grateful the weather cooperated ☀️.

We had the opportunity to share stories and honor those who have served alongside such a wonderful group. Thank you for supporting our mission of preserving and sharing the stories of our veterans. 🇺🇸

If your group is interested in a personalized tour -- send us an e-mail ([email protected]).

05/28/2026

Help needed to support a mission that aligns with ours. 🇺🇸

We believe in standing together to serve, support, and strengthen our community — and today we’re asking for your help.

Please consider volunteering or simply share this post to help spread the word. Every act of support makes a difference.

Together, service starts with us. ❤️💙

05/27/2026

Have you ordered your book 📖 yet?

Listen to the inspiration behind A Wingman for Miss Universe as Van of Valor shares the story that brought it to life. Discover the purpose, passion, and powerful moments that shaped this unforgettable journey.

To the Peek Family, we are honored to share a piece of Lt. Peek’s story within our walls—ensuring that stories like his continue to be passed on from generation to generation.

Order your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Wingman-Miss-Universe-Explore-Homefront-ebook/dp/B0GTK14XSR

https://youtu.be/mdYin9XLkKw

Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Wingman-Miss-Universe-Explore-Homefront-ebook/dp/B0GTK14XSR

BARTELSO, IL — The silence inside the Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute museum is a stark contrast to the roar of the jet engines that once defined the life of Marine 1st Lt. Dennis Peek. Amid the artifacts and echoes of service, a different kind of mission was underway — one of remembrance. The Van of Valor, an initiative dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, recently met with Ron Peek, the Gold Star brother of Lt. Peek, who was shot down and killed in Vietnam. The interview, conducted by Van of Valor cofounder and Purple Heart recipient Dr. Kevin P. Wallace, sought not just to recount a death, but to celebrate a life of promise cut short and the enduring legacy it left behind. Dennis was the kind of young man who seemed to do it all. Before he ever touched the controls of a fighter jet, he was a multi-talented student, active http://rviv.ly/GulO3Y

05/26/2026

Did you miss the deadline? - No problem, we have 5 spots left!

Send us a message 📩 to register your student ([email protected]).

We’re gearing up for History Camp at Standin’ Proud and have a few spots left!

If you know a child entering 5th - 8th for this next school year and would love to learn all about Service, Leadership & Real‑World Impact, send us a message. Kids will explore history up close, hear veteran stories and learn how small actions can make a big impact.

Register by May 22, 2026 by e-mailing [email protected].
📅 June 1–4
⏰ 10:00–11:15 a.m.
📍 Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum
💲 FREE
👫 Chaperons are encouraged to stay and learn as well

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? 🇺🇸

While many spend the holiday with family, cookouts, and community events, it’s important to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the day — remembering those who never made it home.

Today reminds us why our mission matters:
❤️ their courage
🤍 their sacrifice
💙 their legacy

'Proud

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 In observance of Memorial Day, we will be closed during normal business hours; however, we will offer appointment-only tours. Please reach out to us through Facebook Messenger or comment below to schedule a tour.

We pause to honor the courage, service, and legacy of our fallen heroes.

❤️🤍💙Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

⏰ Only 7 days left to donate!

We’re wrapping up our care-package collection in just ONE week, and we still need your help supporting our veterans.

❤️🤍💙If you know of someone that would love to receive a package while they are stationed away from home, send us a private message.

📦 Drop-off locations:
• Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum (Bartelso, IL)
• K&J Chevrolet (Carlyle, IL)
• Poettker Construction Company (Breese, IL)

Thank you for helping us make a difference for our heroes! 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

We’re gearing up for History Camp at Standin’ Proud and have a few spots left!

If you know a child entering 5th - 8th for this next school year and would love to learn all about Service, Leadership & Real‑World Impact, send us a message. Kids will explore history up close, hear veteran stories and learn how small actions can make a big impact.

Register by May 22, 2026 by e-mailing [email protected].
📅 June 1–4
⏰ 10:00–11:15 a.m.
📍 Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum
💲 FREE
👫 Chaperons are encouraged to stay and learn as well

05/18/2026

We’ve added a new touch to the museum, crafted by Bird's Eye Embroidery. Every enhancement helps us honor our veterans with the dignity and pride they deserve. 🇺🇸

Thank you for helping us carry the mission forward.

05/15/2026

They’re HERE! 📖✨ Our A Wingman for Miss Universe books arrived, and we are so excited to start distributing them throughout our community.

The story has a powerful message and full of heart — and we can’t wait to share it.

Want your own copy?
Order on Amazon and support Van of Valor in their mission to ensure our veterans’ stories live on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSBGQ5Q