Round Lake Area Exchange Club honors two hometown heroes for July
The Round Lake Area Exchange Club is honoring U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Schmitt of Antioch and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daryl Malisiak of Round Lake as its hometown heroes for July.
Both Schmitt and Malisiak work as Army recruiters at the Round Lake Beach Recruiting Center.
Schmitt, who is originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota, was registered for this honor by his wife, Ariel. He has served in the U.S. Army for more than eight years. He joined the Army after high school graduation in 2006 from Central High School in Grand Forks. He is a proud father to 17-month-old daughter Devyn.
In addition to three Army commendation medals, some of the other awards and honors he has earned are two Army Achievement Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, combat infantryman's badge, and aviation crew member wings.
Malisiak was registered for this honor by his wife, Rebecca. They live in Round Lake with their 2-year-old daughter Kinley. Originally from Mantua, Ohio, he graduated from Crestwood High School in 2006.
A few of the awards and honors Malisiak has earned are combat action badge, airborne wings, two Army achievement medals and Iraqi Campaign Medal.
Each man will receive a "Hanging with the Heroes" care package filled with a personalized "Hanging with the Heroes" T-shirt donated by ArtRageous of Hainesville, letters from Round Lake Area Unit District 116 students, a specially made rosary for the military from Legion of Mary from St. Joseph's in Round Lake and gift cards.
Schmitt's Exchange Club sponsor is Robert E. Frank Real Estate, Inc. Malisiak's sponsor is Carole Shook, president, North Lake IEA/NEA Retired Teachers.
The Round Lake Area Exchange Club will present a plaque to the families of both July Hometown Heroes Wednesday, July 23, at 7:30 a.m. at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach.
If you have a neighbor, family member, friend, employee, employer, etc. serving in the military, register them by going to www.rlaexchange.org/hero. 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.
For information, visit the website or contact Sherry Ridge at (847) 740-2379.