Wounded Whiting Soldier Returning Home

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Please join us on Monday, March 23rd, as National Guard Specialist Daniel Acosta, Jr. arrives home after sustaining wounds during Operation Enduring Freedom. Danny was involved in an attack outside Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 17th. Three service personnel died as a result of the suicide bombing. Acosta was seriously wounded. Danny is scheduled to arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport at 9:30 am, where he will be greeted by family members–including his wife Mayra and 6th grade daughter Vicki. The USO has arranged for veteran’s organizations, the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Department to participate in a welcoming ceremony in the airport terminal. Whiting PD, Illinois State Police and the Chicago PD will escort the family back. This convoy will be joined at the State Line by Whiting Police, Fire & EMA, Hammond Police, Fire & EMA, East Chicago Police, Lake County Sheriff’s Police and the Indiana State Police. He will be escorted to Whiting City Hall, 1443 119th Street. We estimate his arrival between 11 and Noon on Monday. When arriving at City Hall, Acosta will be greeted by residents and the 73 member’s of Vicki’s WMS class. Additionally, the WHS band will perform “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” The Acosta family will join Mayor Joe on the steps of City Hall. A mayoral proclamation declaring it “SPC Daniel Acosta Day” will be read. The National Anthem will be performed, with Gerri Hildreth singing, as the American Flag is raised. A homecoming reception will follow. All are welcome and encouraged to join us in showing their support for the return of a hero. For more information or questions regarding this event, please contact us at (219) 659-7700.