Two-time Purple Heart recipient to speak at Bensenville Veterans Day breakfast
U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their spouses residing within Bensenville Park District boundaries will be recognized with a free breakfast when the Bensenville Park District, Village of Bensenville and Fenton High School join in a salute to their service.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson, Bensenville.
“It is our duty to ensure veterans’ contributions are never forgotten and to support them in their transition to civilian life,” said Bensenville Park District Board President Rich Johnson. “This breakfast is just one way to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served to protect our freedoms, and we extend a special thank you to Lt. Jimmy Ochoa (retired), U.S. Navy, and the UPS Store of Bensenville for their generous sponsorship of the Veterans Day breakfast.”
In addition to recognition by attending dignitaries such as those from the Village of Bensenville, Fenton High School District 100, and elected officials from the state legislature, highlights of the breakfast include a presentation by three winners of the “Defending Freedom” essay contest from Fenton High School and a keynote by a two-time Purple Heart recipient.
Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Richard Duzinskas will serve as keynote speaker for the annual Veterans Day Breakfast. Duzinskas, a Bensenville resident, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002 through an early enlistment program before graduating from Walther Lutheran High School in 2003. He trained as a Cavalry Scout and was first deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
During his second deployment in 2006 with B Troop, 3/61 Cavalry, Duzinskas sustained life-threatening injuries when his vehicle was struck by multiple explosively formed penetrators. Despite severe wounds, including the loss of his left arm and extensive shrapnel injuries, Duzinskas survived after months of treatment at military hospitals in Iraq, Germany, and the United States. He has since undergone more than 50 surgeries.
For his service and bravery, Duzinskas was awarded two Purple Hearts, including one presented by Army Chief of Staff General Peter Schoomaker, and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor. He medically retired from the Army as a sergeant in 2008 and returned to the Chicago area.
Today, Duzinskas is a founding member of the Chicago Warriors, a veteran ice hockey team, and remains active in the Elmhurst American Legion. A father to 14-year-old Dominick, he also enjoys 3-D printing and customizing his Can-Am Spyder motorcycle, which reflects his military career.
Although the event is free for resident veterans and their families, Pre-registration is required in advance at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., or by calling (630) 766-7015.
Other members of the community, including veterans living outside of Bensenville Park District boundaries, are welcome to attend the breakfast for a $15 fee.
The breakfast is produced by the village of Bensenville and Bensenville Park District and is sponsored by the veteran-owned UPS Store of Bensenville-Wood Dale. Learn more about this event and other veterans’ programs at BvilleParks.org/Veteran.