At GreatNews.Life, we believe that those willing to sacrifice everything to protect our community deserve to have their stories told. Since 2022, we’ve been making that happen with our monthly Veteran Spotlight series. Read on to hear from some of the men and women in your community that have served for you!
A simple approach can create a significant impact in the big picture. That was the case for Sean Steele, leading him into a career that has made up the bulk of his adult life. Steele was born and raised in Michigan City. He played freshmen basketball...
Robert “Bob” Carnagey is a Northwest Indiana local. Living most of his life on the border of Indiana and Illinois, he graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School in the summer of 1964. Carnagey then enrolled into the University of...
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Robert Shankland moved to Valparaiso with his family at the age of 11 and has lived there ever since. After graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1959, Shankland went on to the University of Michigan to get his...
Mitch Mullins did not choose to go into the Army Reserve, but, according to him, it was one of the best decisions he ever made. Mullins joined the Reserve in ‘71, having just gotten his associate’s degree from Purdue University. He received...
Curtis Coleman grew up differently than most of his peers with little money and being homeless. His brother mentioned the Marines and that he could work with helicopters, and Coleman’s life changed for the better. “My older brother was a...
Dan Becker spent his life knowing he wanted to join the Marines, but he would have never guessed he would join the Army and one day start a coffee company. Becker has lived an interesting life and has experienced many professions, but it all began in...
Al Guillen has dedicated his life to helping others. He has been helping others through countless different occupations and extra activities throughout his lifetime. On a snowy February of 1967, Guillen was drafted into the U.S. Army. This was...
Weldon Crisman has never taken a moment for granted, and at 95 years old, he’s still looking for the next adventure on the horizon. Crisman was born in the Miller area in 1928 and moved out to the country off of Lincoln Highway when he was young....
Mark Volk grew up in Michigan City and attended Elston High School. After graduating from high school, Volk knew he wanted to serve his country, so he joined the Army Reserves and went to Purdue University Northwest to study electrical engineering...
Randy Smith grew up in Lake Station and attended Thomas A. Edison High School. Firefighting had always been a big part of Smith’s life—his dad was a volunteer fireman, and Smith liked going and riding with the firemen to help out and gain...