Army Ranger Wounded in Battle Shows Courage on Long Road To Recovery

Service men and women all over the nation give their lives daily to protect the freedom of Americans everywhere. It is a tremendous responsibility that is commendable and full of honor, but can also come with a tremendous price.

Sgt. Brad Hojek Jr., 23, a U.S. Army Ranger, paid that price in March, when he was injured during a remote mission in Afghanistan with his unit. Hojek was shot several times and sustained severe injuries to his pelvis, left leg and both of his hips.

After being attended to by medics in Afghanistan, Hojek was transported to a military hospital in Texas, and most recently has settled in at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA, where he continues his rehabilitative treatment.

This Thursday, Hojek is coming home for a hero’s welcome before returning to a Texas rehab center to continue his healing.

Hojek was born and raised in Evergreen Park, and is a 2006 graduate of . Surrounded by law enforcement officials and first responders his entire life, he is the grandson of the late Evergreen Park late Fire Chief John Hojek Sr., who the department is named after. His dad, Brad Hojek Sr. is a firefighter for the Bridgeview Fire Department, and he has several other family members who are area firefighters and police officers. He also has other family members in the United Sttes Military.

Coming from a family who prides themselves on serving their country and community, close family friends are sponsoring a benefit for the wounded army ranger this Sunday at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th St. in Merrionette Park, to show their support and say "thank you."

Billed as a “family event” and featuring live bands, raffle prizes, a silent auction, pop and desserts, proceeds from the benefit will go the Hojek family so that Brad Jr.’s family members can travel in shifts to Texas to support him during his rehab.

During the early stages of his son's treatment, Brad Sr. took a leave of absence from work to be by his son's side. He described the past several months as being difficult for his family.

"Our lives have definitely changed,” Brad Sr. said, as he reminisced the first time the family heard Brad Jr. was hurt.

“When we got that phone call we couldn’t wait to get there,” Brad Sr. continued. With a glimpse of hope from the very beginning, he said, “When we first got there, we knew that he was going to survive.”

As for his son's recovery, Brad Sr. said that was something only time could tell.

Dave Lis, a fellow firefighter from Bridgeview and a  family friend said, “I’ve known the Hojek family for about 20 years now. When I got on the fire service, Brad Sr.'s brother was my instructor at the Oak Lawn Fire Academy.”

He expressed his love for Brad Jr. and his family, and said he would help the family any way he could.

“It’s paying it forward,” said Lis. “It’s [our] job and responsibility to do our best [for him].”

Many of Brad Sr.'s colleagues took on additional shifts so he could be at his wounded son's side.

“We’re raising money so [the Hojeks] can be down there for as long as possible," said Lis. “It’s all for Brad.”

Lis and the Hojek family have drummed up local support for Brad’s fundraiser. Other organizations and area first responders, including  the Patriot Guard Riders, the Warrior Watch Response, the South Suburban Emergency Team, alongside the Chicago Police 5th District SWAT Team, and the Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park fire departments will all be present to show their appreciation and support for Brad Jr.

After he completes his rehabilitation, the family has requested that any remaining money be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, an advocacy organization for wounded soliders and their families.

“It’s means a lot especially for us. We’re hoping for the best possible outcome. Our entire family is very grateful for the support and well wishes,” said Brad Sr. “It’s renewed my faith [knowing] that people really do support the troops."

The benefit for Sgt. Brad Hojek Jr. starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at 115 Bourbon Street, at 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park. Tickets are $25 adults ($30 at the door); $10 for children ages 6-12 ($15 at the door). Tickets for the benefit can be purchased at a website set up for Brad Hojek Jr.or by calling 708-525-3890.

Monetary gifts can also be sent to the Brad Hojek Fund at any PNC Bank or mail to: Brad Hojek Fund 14040 Split Rail Drive Homer Glen, Illinois 60491 (Benefit Tax Id # 90-0671012).