Lt. Gov. Honors Fallen Hero, Staff Sgt Jason Vasquez
CHICAGO – On Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the Logandale Middle School Gymnasium, 3212 W. George Street, Chicago, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will unveil a memorial plaque in honor of local fallen hero Staff Sgt Jason Vasquez, a Logandale Middle School athlete and graduate.
“I am honored to be here today to pay tribute to Staff Sgt Jason Vasquez, who has served his county proudly,” Quinn said. “It so is important that we recognize the brave men and women who have served our country and never forget the sacrifices they have made.”
Staff Sgt Jason Vasquez was killed in Afghanistan on September 17, 2008 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). An Illinois National Guardsman, Staff Sgt Vasquez aspired to be a police officer and had only been in Afghanistan for three weeks when he was killed.
The staff at Logandale Middle School has worked vigorously to build a memorial that truly commemorates the heroic legacy of Staff Sgt Vasquez. The local American Legion generously sponsored the honorary plaque that will hang in the gymnasium.
Quinn will be joined by Jose Vasquez, father to Staff Sgt. Vasquez; Major General Dennis Celletti, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard; Dr. Dennis Sweeny, Logandale Middle School Principal; Al Coughlin, American Legion; and Mark Ochoa, Logandale Middle School Basketball Coach.