MySuburbanLife.com recently published a heartwarming story about Geneva firefighters supporting a local veteran. The article highlights the efforts of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, Geneva Local 4287, who are set to gift a brand-new vehicle to U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Kerber, marking him as the first recipient of their initiative.
Kerber, a 26-year-old from West Chicago, shared his story with the Geneva City Council on Monday. He joined the Army in 2008, driven by the need for an education and a desire to follow in the footsteps of family members who had served before him. “I looked around at my job prospects and realized that I needed an education and I couldn’t afford one,†he said. “The Army was always something on the back burner. It seemed like a good thing.â€
During a routine security operation in Afghanistan in 2009, Kerber’s convoy was ambushed by rocket-propelled grenades. As the gunner on the lead vehicle, he was severely injured, losing his left arm in the attack. “It was a night like any other,†he recalled. “I went down, stood up, and tried to return fire. The second hit—there was no getting back up after that.†Despite suffering shrapnel wounds throughout his body, Kerber remained resilient, noting that while his right arm is injured, it has no nerve damage. “Don’t feel bad for my left arm—it was useless anyway.â€
At the event, Kerber was surrounded by Geneva firefighters and union members Kevin Swanson, Rod Johnson, and Dave Lentz, all sporting black T-shirts supporting their fundraising campaign. Johnson, the vice president of the local, explained the origins of the Warrior Program. “This program has been running statewide for about six years and has given away seven cars to wounded Illinois veterans,†he said. “We started this in June with a clear goal: not just to sell a few shirts, but to raise $30,000 through shirt sales and find someone in need to give them a vehicle.â€
The firefighters have partnered with local businesses such as the Kane County Cougars, Firehouse Pizza and Grill, and Old Towne Pub in Geneva to promote the cause. So far, they’ve sold approximately 2,500 shirts at $20 each, with all proceeds going toward purchasing the car. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far,†Johnson added.
Although the Geneva local has taken the lead, other fire department locals—including West Chicago Local 3970, Batavia Local 3436, Elburn Local 4749, and St. Charles Local 3322—are also involved in the effort. Kerber chose a brand-new 2014 red Ford F-150, which Fox Valley Ford provided at a significant discount. The team plans to purchase the vehicle together this week.
On Friday, Kerber will be honored at Fifth Third Ball Park, where he will throw out the first pitch. After the game, the car will be presented to him on the field before the fireworks, marking a memorable moment for both the veteran and the community.
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