November 13, 2007   
Release #11-001     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper dies in Iraq

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper died of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq Monday.

Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek, 22, of Elmhurst, Ill., was an Infantryman with 2nd Bn., 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR), 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 82nd Abn. Div.

“Sgt. Vanek was an expert and professional at his job,” said fellow Paratrooper Spc. David Heath.  “He earned a great amount of respect from his men.”

“Sgt. Vanek took care of his Soldiers on and off duty,” added Spec. Antonio Garcia, Vanek’s friend and a member of the 2nd Bn, 325th AIR.  “We were his boys, he was always there for us.”

Vanek joined the Army in July 2003.  He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training in 2003 and the Basic Airborne Course in 2004 at Fort Benning, Ga.  He completed the Warrior Leaders Course, the basic professional development course for Noncommissioned Officers, at Fort Bragg, N.C. in 2006. 

He arrived to the 82nd Abn. Div. in March 2004 and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 325th AIR.

“He lived every day to the fullest,” said Spc. Jason Burrows, a fellow Paratrooper.  “He knew when to have good time, and he knew when to focus for missions.  I would follow him into combat any day.”

Vanek’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist’s Badge.

Vanek is survived by his father, Frank, and his mother, Janice, both of Elmhurst, Ill.

A Memorial ceremony will be held for Vanek in Iraq.