The Western Illinois Museum will host Honoring Our Local Veterans on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. This special afternoon invites the community to reflect on the contributions and stories of local veterans through presentations, readings, and conversations.
The program features a talk by Cory Booher on WWI and WWII veteran and WIU football coach Colonel Raymond “Rock” Hanson, followed by readings from local veterans participating in the SITREP Program. Guests are invited to listen, share, and connect as we pay tribute to those who have served. A suggested $5 donation will be accepted at the door.
In his presentation, “What Does It Mean to Be a Leatherneck Veteran?” Cory Booher draws on his own military experience and passion for Western Illinois University history to explore the ties between the Macomb community, WIU, and the U.S. military. He highlights how local residents and university members served with distinction in both World Wars and beyond, helping shape WIU’s proud identity as a military-friendly institution. The Fighting Leathernecks mascot stands as a lasting tribute to that legacy.
Through his talk, Booher honors the military achievements of Colonel Hanson and other Macomb heroes, sharing the origins of the Leatherneck nickname, the story behind WIU’s bulldog mascot, and the community spirit that contributed to our nation’s military success.
Following Booher’s presentation, William Bailey, Ryan Bronaugh, and Ron Pettigrew will present readings from SITREP: Veteran Perspectives on Combat and Peace, a writing project and publication that gives WIU student veterans a platform to share their experiences, reflections, and personal stories.
The reading will be followed by a conversation with SITREP coordinators Barbara Lawhorn and Jacque Wilson. Together with the authors, they will discuss the role writing plays in understanding personal history, building community, and shaping collective perspectives on military service.
Schedule
1:00–1:45 pm: Ray Hanson Presentation 2:00–3:00 pm: SITREP Reading and Conversation Followed by refreshments and socializing This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council.
The Western Illinois Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a deeper understanding of history, culture, and tradition, sparking curiosity that connects us to the past, one another, and the values that shape our community. As a lively gathering place, the Museum offers exhibits, open access to collections, lectures, music, and a variety of engaging programs in a historic setting.
For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309837-2613, or email [email protected].
The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The building is fully accessible, and free accessible parking is available.
Participants
Former U.S. Marine Corps Captain and pilot William Bailey later earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. His career has spanned service with the U.S. Senate, teaching in New Zealand, and leading Western Illinois University’s School of Agriculture. Bailey looks forward to sharing his experiences as a Marine pilot, including his memorable aircraft carrier landings.
Cory Booher, from Quincy, Illinois, served five years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing overseas tours in Japan and deploying in support of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. A 2024 WIU graduate, he earned his Master of Science in Engineering Technology in May 2025. Booher is an avid world traveler, backpacker, and National Park enthusiast.
Ryan Bronaugh served as a Corpsman with Marine infantry and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Over seven and a half years of active duty, he visited 23 countries, including a five-month Mediterranean deployment. He served as Fiction Editor for SITREP throughout its five-year run and continues to support numerous veteran organizations.
Retired Navy Chaplain Captain Ronald Pettigrew currently serves as Director of Western Illinois University’s Veteran Resource Center. With over 40 years of combined service in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, both on active duty and in the reserves, Pettigrew brings a lifetime of experience and dedication to supporting veterans.
SITREP: Veteran Perspectives on Combat and Peace began as a writing project to provide WIU student veterans a platform to share their voices and experiences.
Aimed at both veteran and civilian audiences, the publication promotes awareness and understanding of military life through fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, and poetry. Through storytelling, SITREP fosters dialogue and connection between veterans and the broader community.
