Noonan Academy Honors Veterans with Tribute and Mass

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Noonan Elementary Academy's junior high gym was packed with students, staff, family, and Veterans. "This is our eleventh year offering such an opportunity to our students," stated Mrs. Mary Murphy, Assistant Principal of Noonan. "Our students get to meet Veterans and hear their stories. They are able to thank them for all that they have done, to protect their freedoms, with this tribute." Each Veteran was honored by name, given a certificate and a spiritual bouquet, which were blessed by Father McCarthy. Students, staff, and families of Noonan Academy gathered into the junior high gym where the students lead the processional of Veterans, who are family members or friends of Noonan students or of past graduates. Veterans were blessed by Fr. McCarthy, and a certificate was presented by Principal Joseph Dunn. Everyone in the gym recited the St. Michael Prayer together.

Those in attendance were

Clifford Dahl - Great-great Uncle to Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve. Air Force Staff Sergeant. Medic and cook - India, Japan; WWII and Korean War.
Terry Cornell - Grandfather to Adele and Lucy. Navy, Airforce, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class. Fireman, Icm landing craft (small boat) - Germany, Japan, Spain, all over the United States.
David Nelson - Grandfather to James. Army Specialist 4. Firefighter - Alaska.
Jim Marek - Grandfather to Ashley. Army Specialist 5. Communications to the right hand. Vietnam, Washington D.C.
Joseph Cherne - Grandfather to Emilie. Navy Naval Aviation. Crewman - Asia/Pacific.
Joseph Villanti - Grandfather to Jackson. Army Sergeant E5. Mechanic/clerk - Korea.
Dr. Jack Ruby - Grandfather to Michael, Juliet, and Jack. Army Captain. Dentist - Vietnam and Arizona.
Jim Schlegel - Alumni Father to JT and John. Army Sergeant. Battery Reconnaissance - Vietnam.
Harold Schrank - Father to Miss Schrank, 2nd Grade Teacher. Navy Radioman 3rd Class. Send communications - Gulf of Vietnam.
Ray Zichmiller - Uncle to Gianna. Army Sergeant. Sharpshooter, infantry - Vietnam.
Ken Burmeister - Friend of Michael. Army E4. Light weapons infantry - Vietnam.
Lottie DiCrescenzo – Mother to Lottie. Air Force A1C. Finance Operation Technician – Texas, Mississippi, and Illinois
Jonathan Horn – Grandfather to Robyn, Jaxson, and Jordin Triche. Army Sergeant. Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist – 82nd Airborne, Gulf War.
Ed Buckley – Grandfather to Genevieve. Marine Corps Sergeant. Signed on combat engineer, specific skill set – CA and NC.
Josh Hendnicker – Uncle to Bingham. Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer. Maintenance, Mechanic: Weapons, Trucks, Tanks – Iraq, Illinois.
Ron Williams – friend of Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve. Army Corporal E4. Gunner in Artillery – Vietnam.
Jim Holuj – Uncle to Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve. Air National Guard. Color guard, Generator Mechanic – O’Hare Airport.
Louis DiCrescenzo – Father to Lottie. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class. Quarter Master, Navigation – San Diego; 2 deployments to Persian Gulf.
Brian Holuj - Father of Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve. Air Force Staff Sergeant. Crew Chief - air craft mechanic United Arab Emirates, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ashley Tuburan - Mother to Kai. Navy. Petty Officer 2nd Class – Pacific Ocean: China, Japan, Hawaii, CA.

"While other schools have Veterans Day off, we have the opportunity to honor our Veterans by inviting them into our school for this tribute. We benefit daily from your sacrifice. You are living Saints who walk among us. Thank you for your service, " said Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan.

Noonan Elementary Academy is an independent Catholic school in Mokena serving preschool through 8th grade. Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information or visit their website at www.noonanacademy.org