DWIGHT, IL — A unique masterpiece now permanently honors local veterans following a special unveiling ceremony at the Dwight VFW Post #2608 on July 10.

GABR President Larry Little

The artwork, created by renowned one-of-a-kind artist Joe Everson, was funded by donations and then offered to the VFW to be proudly mounted and displayed at the Beachhead.
 

The painting’s journey to the VFW began on May 2, 2026, when it was successfully auctioned off at the annual Basset Ball. The event is the premier fundraiser for Guardian Angel Basset Rescue (GABR), a Dwight-based non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming hundreds of basset hounds every year. GABR is operated by President Larry Little and his wife, Emmy.

 

The formal unveiling was jointly conducted by Larry and Dwight VFW Post Commander Adam Goetsch.

 

Community generosity directly funded the artwork’s acquisition. A commemorative plaque mounted next to the painting features the etched names of the donors who made the purchase possible. Among them, dedicated VFW supporter and friend Rick Nelson personally covered the cost to place more than 50 names on the plaque.

 

The public can view both the historic painting and the donor plaque at the Dwight VFW Post #2608, located at 506 S. Old Route 66, Dwight, IL 60420.

 

View unveiling here

Left to right: Dwight Police Chief Mike Nolan, Country Mansion owner Carson Woods, GABR President Larry Little, friend of VFW and major plaque donor Rick Nelson, Dwight Deputy Chief of Police Gary Beier, Dwight VFW Post #2608 Commander Adam Goetsch, Dwight Mayor Paul Johnson, Dwight VFW Jr. Commander Doreen Hodgson, Asllani Construction owner Fejim Asllani, VFW employee Evie Oelschlager, and Dwight VFW Quartermaster Mark Stevens.

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