Lt. Gov. Quinn and Jesse Alcozer Thank Illinoisans for Their Generosity. Helps military family from Elmhurst bounce back after multiple losses - tragic fire destroyed home five weeks after son's death

ELMHURST -Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn celebrated with disabled Vietnam Veteran Jesse Alcozer, as he and his family moved into their newly remodeled home. The Alcozer home was tragically destroyed in a December 27 fire - five weeks after his son Army PFC Christopher Alcozer was killed in Iraq.

 

Quinn also presented the Alcozer family with a special housewarming gift - a Service Banner with one Gold Star in memory of Christopher, and Two Blue Stars for Alcozer's sons Johnathan and Scott Johns, who are currently serving on active duty in the US Army.

 

             "Christopher Alcozer made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms," said Quinn.  "We want to thank all of those on the homefront who heard the call to duty to help his family in their time of need."

 

            On January 2, Lt. Governor Quinn urged citizens to come to the aid of the Alcozer family. An account was established at the Community Bank of Elmhurst for citizens wishing to make a donation to the Jesse Alcozer Family Fund. The fundraiser raised more than $400,000 for the Alcozer family.

 

            The Alcozer home was remodeled at cost by T-Squared Construction Company. Also, Meyers Movers will surprise the family with free moving services - after the fire, the Alcozers were living in a donated home in Elmhurst.

 

Since January 2, the Alcozer family has received cards and letters from families across the nation. In addition, new furniture has been obtained to replace furniture damaged in the fire.

 

Quinn was joined by Dennis McKinnon from the 1985 Bears who assisted in fundraising efforts for the family, Elmhurst Mayor Tom Marcucci, Tom Serpento, President of T-Squared Construction Company, and Ken Miller of Meyers Movers. Ann Marie Detrick, organizer of the Alcozer fundraiser held at Dugan's Restaurant last January, and Juliann Handy of Lee and Eddie's Catering, who donated the food for the fundraiser, were also in attendance.

 

Bill Sherlock of the Knights of Columbus of Elmhurst was also on hand to present the family with a check for more than $6,000. The Knights of Columbus of Elmhurst raised the funds at a pancake breakfast for the family earlier this month.

 

Lt. Governor Quinn's office also interceded with the Veteran's Administration to fully restore Jesse Alcozer's veterans disability payment.

 

Jesse's son PFC Christopher Alcozer died in Mosul, Iraq, on November 19, 2005 when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire and grenades.  Christopher Alcozer was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 1^st Infantry Regiment, 172^nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. 

 

The fire on December 27, 2005 at the Alcozer home occurred when a candle burning next to a photograph of Christopher caught the picture on fire.  The family was alerted to the fire by smoke detectors in the home, but the fire had already spread to the living room and the home is destroyed. 

 

A Vietnam Veteran listed as Missing in Action and once thought to be dead, Jesse Alcozer was wounded seven times during the Vietnam War.  Jesse Alcozer has four younger children at home.

 

For more information on how to help the Alcozer family, visit www.OperationHomefront.org. With more than 14 million hits, it's one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops and their families.