Elmhurst soldier killed in Iraq during 3rd tour of duty

A 22-year-old soldier from Elmhurst died in Iraq during his third tour of duty, his family said.

Army Sgt. Joe Vanek was killed by "small arms" fire in Baghdad, his father, Frank Vanek, said in published reports.

Vanek said he learned of his son's death on Veterans Day.

"Two gentlemen (from the U.S. military) appeared at the door this morning," Vanek said.

Joe Vanek was in the 82nd Airborne Division, his father said. He joined the military after graduating from York Community High School.

"He thought it was the right thing to do," Vanek said.

The Department of Defense did not immediately have information about Vanek's death.

Joe Vanek is survived by his parents and an older sister. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.