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Grayslake man named club's March hometown hero

The Round Lake Area Exchange Club has named U.S. Army Capt. Kellan Sams of Grayslake as its March hometown hero.

Sams is a 2004 graduate of Grayslake Central High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Marquette University in 2008. He was registered for the hometown hero honor by his father, Scott Sams, also of Grayslake.

Kellan Sams is married to Magen Bryant Sams and both live in Germany, where he is a communications officer for the 95th Military Police Battalion/18th Military Police Brigade.

He has earned many awards and accommodations and is the Exchange Club's second hometown hero who also serves as an Army Ranger. Rangers are the Army's premier direct-action raid force.

Sams created a Facebook group, "Lake County Supports Wounded Service members," to maintain awareness of returning wounded vets from the Global War on Terror (OIF/OEF) and encourage support.

With the support of this month's sponsor, Dr. Connie Collins, Sams' "Hanging with the Heroes" care package will be filled with beef jerky, Rice Krispie treats, red licorice, snacks and more. Also in the package will be a personalized "Hanging with the Heroes" T-shirt, donated by Artrageous of Hainesville, a piece of home and letters from Round Lake Area Unit District 116 students.

Heroes also will receive a specially made rosary for the military from Legion of Mary from St. Joseph's in Round Lake.

The Round Lake Area Exchange Club will present a plaque to his family Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 a.m. at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach.

Any and all military personnel serving overseas or in the USA from any of the Round Lake areas, Hainesville, Fox Lake, Ingleside or surrounding areas qualify for the program. If you have a neighbor, family member, friend, employee, employer, etc. serving in the military, register them by visiting www.rlaexchange.org/hero.

For information, visit the website or call Sherry Ridge at (847) 740-2379.

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