The Lake County Veterans Memorial concept started with the acquisition of an aircraft from Chanute Air Museum in Rantoul, IL. Faced with a loss of funding, the museum was forced with relocating its exhibit aircraft or having them scrapped. About the same time, Waukegan airport manager James Stanczak had applied for the loan of an aircraft from the U.S. Air Force to put on display at Waukegan National Airport. Through his efforts, the Air Force agreed to transfer an F-111A from Chanute to Waukegan National Airport in December of 2015.

The Lake County Veterans’ Memorial offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of all veterans and their service to our country. Highlighted by an actual F-111A Aardvark that is prominently displayed in an intimate park-like
setting at Waukegan National Airport. This memorial is designed to honor both past and present Veterans and to educate future generations about the enormous costs of freedom.