Jan Banek is fundraising
Sgt.Joe Vanek Endowment Scholarship
I am the Gold Star Mother of Sgt. Joe Vanek, who was killed in action Nov. 12, 2007, almost 10 years ago, in Iraq while on his 3rd deployment with the 82nd Airborne. Your donations will fund an endowed scholarship in his memory at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL. This scholarship is an important way to "Always Remember" a soldier who gave his life for his country. Joe grew up in Elmhurst, IL and graduated from York High School Class of 2003. He was truly an All-American boy. He loved his family, friends and his Army brothers. He was a proud paratrooper and Squad Leader in Charlie Co, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Regiment, 2nd Combat Team. Airborne All the Way!
Joe's love of history was instilled in him by his father Frank who is now deceased. This scholarship would be given annually in perpetuity to a student majoring in History or International Relations. A student who is also veteran will be given preference!
His sister, Anne Vanek St. Martin, York Class of 1997 and I will be so grateful for any donation towards this goal. We miss him every day and want to honor his memory with a scholarhsip that helps young men and women.
All donations will go directly to Elmhurst College for the Sgt. Joe Vanek Endowed Scholarship Fund.
President John F. Kenedy said, "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation".
In 2009 the swearing-in room at the Chicago Military Entrance Processing Center was officially named Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek Ceremony Room.
Some of Joe's honors and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, and Parachutist's Badge. Unit awards include The Presential Unit Citation and two Valorus Citation Awards.
Comments about Joe; a brave soldier and leader.
Fellow paratrooper: "He lived every day to the fullest. He knew how to focus for missions. I would follow him into combat any day."
His Lieutenant: "He was an awesome Squad Leader. He was my go-to NCO for any mission that required delicate work. In combat Joe was a rock."
His Captain: "He gave maximum effort and never shied away from danger. He was a leader by example, consistenly placing himself in harm's way, out front, inspiring his Paratroopers through his actions. Sgt. Vanek led his squad exceptionally well and his leadership saved lives".
Peace: The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who suffers and has the deepest wounds and scars of war.
Peace be with You.
Help spread the word!
Joe's love of history was instilled in him by his father Frank who is now deceased. This scholarship would be given annually in perpetuity to a student majoring in History or International Relations. A student who is also veteran will be given preference!
His sister, Anne Vanek St. Martin, York Class of 1997 and I will be so grateful for any donation towards this goal. We miss him every day and want to honor his memory with a scholarhsip that helps young men and women.
All donations will go directly to Elmhurst College for the Sgt. Joe Vanek Endowed Scholarship Fund.
President John F. Kenedy said, "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation".
In 2009 the swearing-in room at the Chicago Military Entrance Processing Center was officially named Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek Ceremony Room.
Some of Joe's honors and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, and Parachutist's Badge. Unit awards include The Presential Unit Citation and two Valorus Citation Awards.
Comments about Joe; a brave soldier and leader.
Fellow paratrooper: "He lived every day to the fullest. He knew how to focus for missions. I would follow him into combat any day."
His Lieutenant: "He was an awesome Squad Leader. He was my go-to NCO for any mission that required delicate work. In combat Joe was a rock."
His Captain: "He gave maximum effort and never shied away from danger. He was a leader by example, consistenly placing himself in harm's way, out front, inspiring his Paratroopers through his actions. Sgt. Vanek led his squad exceptionally well and his leadership saved lives".
Peace: The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who suffers and has the deepest wounds and scars of war.
Peace be with You.
Help spread the word!
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