Area Communites Support Local Veteran

One week after Veterans Day 2011, an incredible event occurred at Via Bella in La Grange designed to not only honor the life changing sacrifice of a local hero, but to also provide assistance for his family. The residents of our close-knit communities continue to inquire as to "How do we honor Veterans?" 

The Tribune columnist John Kass recently shared his thoughts after he visited the Lincoln National Cemetery located near Joliet, IL. His essay, "A few heartfelt words for defenders of our freedoms" published on November 13, 2011, defines it all. Not only for those Americans who died in our country's conflicts yet for those fellow citizens who served and returned to everyday ordinary life.

Thank you, Mr. Kass. Still, twice a year, we continue to ask, "How do we honor veterans?" In this humble writer's opinion, all those who gathered at Via Bella where theevent was staged did just that. Everyone honored all veterans by supporting one and his family. For the reader who may not be : Josh is 2006 grad of LT, is an All State hockey player, played hockey in college, joined the Marines and while on patrol in Afghanistan in July, stepped on an IED, lost his right leg and left leg below the knee. He is recuperating while at Bethesda Naval Hospital and surprisingly- expressed a desire to remain in the Marines once his rehab is complete. 

He is a determined young military service member. However, the injuries affect not only those who sustain such, but families are too affected.

Enter the family Misiewicz, and the extended family Misiewicz, his neighbors and friends. Josh's parents are not the sort to allow life to destroy them. Rather, both parents alternate monthly "stays" with Josh during his recovery. Mr and Mrs Misiewicz leave their home and careers in La Grange for one month so that Josh continues his healing journey with a family member  by his side. Fortunately, both parents have employers that are incredibly understanding and allow for the Misiewicz's to take an extended leave of absence (yet another way employers honor veterans). Although this arrangement is supportive and welcomed- those monthly furloughs are unpaid. Here is where the question, "How do we honor vets?" is addressed.

The Join Hands for Josh benefit at Via Bella November 18th provided donations from so many individuals, businesses, and of course various Veteran organizations (including the American Legion in La Grange lead by Al Krinze and the VFW lead by Bruce Harken in Western Springs) which will assist the family Misiewicz with their own efforts.  

Our current secretary of state, Hillary Clinton once stated, "It takes a village."  Yea, sometimes it does, for whatever reason.  And our villages responded! And for the neighbors of the Misiewicz  family, for all their business relationships, for those folks who organized this event  and for the owners of Via Bella, Kirk and Michael who made the facilities available, for all who attended this event, this was a way to say thank you to all veterans by honoring one who sacrificed.

Thank you,

Chuck Bosko, a proud veteran of Viet Nam