The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is proud to announce the Tribute to Heroes Honorees for 2025! This esteemed program aims to recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, selflessness, and dedication to serving their community.
The Tribute to Heroes initiative holds a special place in the hearts of Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa as a whole, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. From courageous first responders to compassionate volunteers, these individuals embody the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the community.
These heroes were nominated by the community and selected by the Tribute to Heroes committee to be honored at this year’s Tribute to Heroes Breakfast. These individuals will be recognized and celebrated on Tuesday, July 1st at the Veterans Memorial Building. The Heroes will also be recognized as Parade Marshals in our parade on June 28th.
To learn more about this year’s Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, visit the link below.
Tribute to Heroes Honorees
Brian Eschen
Brian is a Navy and Army veteran and a retired VA electrician with over 35 years of experience. He founded the Vets Disc Golf Club and serves on multiple boards supporting veterans and his community. He has volunteered for over nine years with The Freedom Foundation and leads recovery and support programs for veterans. Brian is married with two daughters and enjoys disc golf, music, martial arts, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Anne Dugger
Anne Dugger has spent the past 10 years at the Catherine McAuley Center in various leadership roles. She holds a Master’s in Teacher Leadership from Mt. Mercy University. Passionate about serving Cedar Rapids, Anne is proud to support the Center’s mission of offering hope and opportunity to the community.
John Thompson
A U.S. Army veteran from Marshall, Texas, he served in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment from 2007 to 2012, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home with combat injuries, he faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. In 2019, he and his wife Misti founded Salute to the Fallen, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit supporting veterans and their families with crisis care, mental health resources, and peer support. They’ve escorted over 400 funerals, helping ensure no veteran ever walks alone.
Matt Kunkle
*in memoriam - Matt Kunkle was a hero to many as he saved lives being a paramedic and a fireman. He was a family man, a man of God, lover of Harleys, classic cars (mainly mustangs), outdoors, animals of all kinds, history, Disney and traveling. Turning wrenches was practically his hobby since birth. He was a true “girl dad” and his life was guided by his passion for helping others, and his deep love for his family and animals. He was one hell of a prankster and had a knowledge for anything you can imagine. His heart was big, his laugh unforgettable, and his legacy one of strength, kindness, and deep devotion. He had a heart of gold and is one of those souls that you only come across once in a lifetime.