Injured Oak Lawn soldier comes home
BY BOB RAKOW Correspondent July 15, 2011 11:22AM
U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Brad Hojek, Jr. gets a hug from his father Brad Hojek, Sr. (back to camera) during his welcome home ceremony Thursday, July 14, 2011, in Oak Lawn, Ill. | Art Vassy~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 31, 2011 3:07PM
U.S. Army Sgt. Brad Hojek Jr. knew family and friends were hosting a welcome home party for him, but he never anticipated anything like the greeting he received Thursday night in front of his Oak Lawn home.
“This is amazing,” Hojek told the crowd of well-wishers. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
A procession that included police officers from several communities and bikers from Warriors Watch Riders escorted Hojek home from Midway Airport, where he was greeted by the members of the USO.
As the procession turned onto 95th Place, a Chicago Police Department helicopter flew overhead.
Hojek stepped out of a white stretch limousine and was greeted by cheering friends and family, many of whom helped form a flag line on both sides of the street.
“All I can really say is ‘thank you,’ ” Hojek said.
An Army Ranger, Hojek was seriously injured earlier this year when he was shot several times in the hip, pelvis and abdomen during a deployment overseas. He spent time at a military hospital in Texas before transferring to a rehabilitation facility.
Hojek returned home for a benefit that is to be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park.
Funds from the benefit will help Hojek’s family offset the travel expenses incurred during trips to Texas to visit him.
Hojek will return to Georgia on Monday for additional rehabilitation therapy. He hopes to be back home in August, he said.
Hojek’s mother, Terry Manley, also was overwhelmed by the show of support for her son. She clutched a bouquet of yellow roses and looked on as one person after another embraced her only son and thanked him for his service.
“It was unbelievable. Everything was just wonderful,” said Manley, who wore a black and gold “Ranger Mom” T-shirt. “This is beautiful. I’m happy he’s home. This is amazing, just amazing.”
Hojek’s uncle, Keith Hojek, watched as his nephew received recognition from biker groups, veteran’s organizations and Oak Lawn Village Clerk Jane Quinlan.
“He’s so overwhelmed right now,” said Hojek, an Oak Lawn police lieutenant. “He’s a kid of few words. He’s a real quiet kid.”
Hojek comes from a family of first responders. He is the grandson of the late John Hojek Sr., the former chief of the Evergreen Park Fire Department. His father, Brad Sr., is a Bridgeview firefighter, and several of his uncles are firefighters or police officers.
“It’s been in our blood, and he continues it on,” Keith Hojek said.
Family friend Chuck March said Hojek relied on mental toughness during months of rehabilitation.
“This is a miracle that he can walk,” said March, who has known Hojek since he played football for Oak Lawn High School and starred on travel hockey clubs. “Everything he commits to is at a high level.”
Hojek said he planned to spend the weekend catching up with family.
“I’m just hoping to sit down, to tell you the truth,” he said.
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