Residents Welcome Home A Hero Of Their Own

Growing up, Sgt. Brad Hojek Jr. was surrounded by a family full of firemen and police officers, men and women who worked for the public good. When Hojek graduated from Oak Lawn Community High School in 2003, his decision was an easy one. He wanted to become elite, one of the best-of-the-best, he wanted to become an Army Ranger.

He did just that, eventually serving as a Ranger while stationed in Afghanistan for the last several months.

During his time in Afghanistan, Hojek was wounded by gun fire during a mission. His injuries were to his lower abdomen, pelvic area and a shattered hip, his father, Brad Hojek Sr., said. The wounds took him out of active duty and he was taken to Texas for treatment and rehabilitation.

While Hojek Jr. rehabbed in Texas and later in Georgia, family members flew to be with him and support him.

“I spent from March 14 through June 3 down there with him [in Texas],” Hojek Sr. said. “Then [the family] went back down there over the past weekend [July 8-10]. He's doing pretty good.”

Over the last two to three months, the Hojek family has been by Brad's side as he worked tirelessly to rejoin his unit. Brad has progressed well enough to be granted a trip home to attend the Ranger Up Healing Sgt. Brad Hojek Jr. benefit at 115 Bourbon Street in Marionette Park on Sunday, July 17.

The benefit will help raise funds assist the Hojek's with traveling expenses and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I think it's going to be good, not only for me but for my family and the Wounded Warrior organization,” Hojek Jr. said. “It's going to be fun and it's for a good cause, I'm looking forward to it.”

Before the benefit though, Hojek was welcomed home with a police and motorcycle escrot, a flag-lined street and a party by his friends, family and special guests. was held Thursday, July 14 at the Hojek home in Oak Lawn.

During a roughly 45-minute display of thanks, several groups presented Hojek with tokens of their gratitude for his service to the nation. Among the groups were the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Tinley Park American Legion and the American Military Veterans Motorcycle Rider Association.

“We're blown away by the turn out today,” said Dave Lis, a member of the AMVMRA and a Hojeck family friend. “It's just great to have him back and we're excited for the turnout today.”

After all the gifts were presented and cheers of “thank you,” and “welcome back,” died down, Hojek himself took time to thank the crowd for everything they had done to welcome him home.

“I can't say this was unexpected, but I didn't think it would be as big as it is,” he said, addressing the crowd. “I can't say thanks enough for all you guys coming out here and supporting not only me but my family. This is amazing, I've never seen anything like this.”