Honoring Local Heroes: Kokomo’s Veteran Spotlight
This blog was partnered with and paid for by CrossFit Kokomo
Veterans Day is a United States federal holiday observed every year on November 11. It honors all U.S. military veterans, the men and women who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, whether during wartime or peacetime.
At its heart, Veterans Day is about gratitude. It’s a time to pause and thank every person who has worn the uniform. Those who stood ready when our nation called, who trained, sacrificed and served so that others might live free. It is a day to remember that freedom is not something we simply have, but something that was earned and continues to be protected by brave men and women across generations.
At The Kokomo Post, we are proud to honor those who have served our country and to spotlight the incredible people and organizations here in Kokomo who dedicate their time and effort to ensuring that our veterans are never forgotten.
In Partnership With CrossFit Kokomo
This year’s Veterans Day spotlight is brought to you in partnership with CrossFit Kokomo, a fitness community built on grit, purpose, and heart.
As owner Kevin Jewell shares:
“At CrossFit Kokomo, our community is at the core of everything we do. We take immense pride in being active participants in the city we call home, supporting the people and organizations that make Kokomo stronger. Every year, we come together for one of the most meaningful events on our calendar, our 24-hour Veterans Fundraiser, an effort dedicated to honoring those who have defended our nation and our freedom.”
Since 2018, CrossFit Kokomo has proudly supported Jackson Street Commons, a local organization providing housing and essential resources to homeless and at-risk veterans. For 24 consecutive hours, athletes and community members push themselves physically and mentally not for personal glory, but for a greater purpose. Every workout, every rep, every exhausted breath becomes a tribute to the men and women who have served our nation with honor and selflessness.
Kevin explains that this event represents who they are as a gym and as a community:
“Our world as we know it exists because of the brave men and women who stepped forward when others would not. Their courage, sacrifice, and resilience safeguard the freedoms we cherish every day. At CrossFit Kokomo, we believe it’s our duty and privilege to stand behind them.”
Through this powerful annual fundraiser, the gym not only raises funds and supplies, it raises awareness. It reminds all of us that honoring veterans means more than one day of thanks; it is a year-round commitment to support those who have given so much.
Thank you, CrossFit Kokomo, for your dedication to service, community, and the heroes who inspire both.
Kokomo Honors Its Veterans
As part of our 2025 Veterans Day spotlight, we asked our audience to share the stories of the heroes in their lives. The family members, friends and neighbors who served our country.
These are the veterans who inspire us. These are the stories that remind us why we celebrate this day.
Veteran: Kirk Daniels
Military Branch: Navy
LCDR Kirk Daniels was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served as a career HS2 helicopter pilot for the Navy. He received this list of awards while in the Navy:
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy “E” Ribbon
Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
Graduate of the United States Naval Academy and career HS2 helicopter pilot for the U.S. Navy, Kirk is now a well-known member and business owner in Kokomo, Indiana.
Veteran: Mike Bragg
Military Branch: Army
Mike served in the United States Army Reserves, dedicating his time and commitment to his country. Though the details of his service may not be widely known, his willingness to step up and serve has carried on far past his time in the military. His family is proud of his service and the example he continues to set.
Veteran: Corey Summers
Military Branch: Air Force
Corey Summers spent 10 years in the Air Force. Corey travelled many places when he was in the service. He went to Afghanistan, Kuwait (East Asia), Qatar, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. And he did all of that while having four kids back at home.
Thank you, Dad, for all that you do. And a big thank you for keeping us safe. We love you.
Veteran: Joseph Burroughs
Military Branch: Air Force
Joseph served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1967. Fresh out of high school and just 17 years old, Joseph signed up with the USAF to do his part during the Vietnam War. His children and grandchildren are proud of his courage and his determination.
With his time in the Air Force, he found his love for aerospace and his future was set. To everyone who fought an unpopular war, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Veteran: John G Hursh
Military Branch: Army
John served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and was deployed to Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 as part of the First Cavalry (C-1/7). Thank you for your service, and thank you for all that you’ve done.
Veteran: Brandon Echelbarger
Military Branch: Air Force
Brandon served in the United States Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as part of the Air Force Global Strike Command’s 90th Missile Wing. During his time there, he worked as a Missile Maintainer on the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, where he was responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the Air Force’s land-based missiles and their associated launch and control systems.
We are deeply proud of Brandon’s service and the dedication during his time in the military. The skills and discipline he gained along with his strength, resilience and leadership continue to define him today. The qualities instilled in him through his years of service have shaped him into the civilian, husband, father and role model that he is today. We are incredibly proud of his time in the service and the man he is today.
Veteran: Yennefer Brumley
Military Branch: Army
Our mom is very unique, not only is she completely outnumbered being the only girl in our house, but she served in the U.S. Army. Our mom was an Infantry Chef and also on the U.S. Army Culinary Team, which competed in competitions all over the world.
Our mom loves to feed people and when disaster strikes, our mom becomes everyone’s mom. Kokomo knows her as Baked Knightly, but before that, she was feeding people in active combat zones and jumping out of helicopters. She was named Top Chef of the U.S. Army multiple years and, even as a veteran, she competed for the Army as a female veteran at the 2025 World Food Championships.
As a civilian, our mom feeds marching bands, swim teams and anyone in this community who may be in need of help, because when a friend asks for help, you help them. She tells us all the time that just because she is no longer active duty, that doesn’t mean she can’t continue to do what she signed up to serve our country to do: feed the people and she does it each and every day.
Veteran: Vince Powell
Military Branch: Army
My dad is my hero, not just because he served our country in the Army but because of the man he is every single day. He has worked his entire life to give our family the most beautiful life possible, always putting us first no matter how hard things got.
His strength, his love, and his sacrifices are the reason we are who we are today. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not grateful for everything he’s done, both for his family and for his country.
I love my dad!!
Veteran: Jeremy Sadler
Military Branch: Marine Corps
Jeremy served in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in service, he was part of the 3rd Tracks and worked in telecommunications during his first tour, before we met. He was medically discharged after a surgical procedure that didn’t help him, and although leaving the Marines was difficult, he continues to carry the spirit of service and leadership that defines him. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
I loved living on base with him and being part of the Marine community. Some of our best memories were made by the beach in Oceanside, California, surrounded by fellow Marines and their families. It was a special kind of life — close-knit, safe, and full of pride. Even though I hated when he had to leave for a month or two at a time, it was always such a joy to welcome everyone home again.
My husband is one of the most dedicated men I know. He’s a hard worker, a natural leader, and someone people truly look up to. He’s deeply devoted to his family — always there for our son, daughter-in-law, and especially our grandbabies. Our grandson Brennen loves spending time with him, and little Blakely still thinks Papaw is the coolest. She loves snuggling up with him because he’s warm, kind, and full of love.
I’m so proud to call him mine. He’s loved me through every fault and has always treated me with patience and respect. Thank you, my Marine, for your service, your sacrifice, and your heart. You are my hero — and I love you with all my heart.
Veteran: Jim Ault
Military Branch: Air Force
Jim Ault was proud to be an American and was very patriotic. He always displayed the flag, and if he saw a tattered one, he would stop and give them a new flag. He served in the Air Force during Vietnam and carried his love for his country throughout his life.
Veteran: Cliff Hunt
Military Branch: Air Force
Cliff started in ROTC while in college and continued to serve for many years, from 1951 to sometime in the late 70s or early 80s. He retired as a Major and we are proud of his service.
Veteran: Jaeysen Scott
Military Branch: Army
Jaeysen Scott is Resilient! Faced many set backs and trials in life and has always conquered. Much love, keep pushing forward.
