Community Corner
Mokena's Fallen Soldier's Rank Upgraded Posthumously
An honor bestowed on the community's fallen, beloved Aaron Toppen.
The rank of a soldier from Mokena killed by apparent friendly fire earlier this month has been upgraded, posthumously.
Aaron Toppen, 19, became private first class, Sun-Times Media reports. Toppen was one of five killed by apparent friendly fire earlier this month. His unit was ambushed by the Taliban, and mistakenly hit by a U.S. air strike.
A military escort is expected to take Toppen home from Midway airport, along roadways spotted with yellow ribbons tied by community members showing their support. The route is unannounced as of yet.
A memorial service will be held at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park. Funeral services are being handled by Vandenberg Funeral Home in Tinley Park.
Toppen graduated from Lincoln-Way East High School in 2013.
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