Parents of Sgt. Rodgers establish fund at IPCF

Posted on September 11, 2017
The hearse carrying Sgt. Josh Rodgers’ casket passed through a “flag raise”, lifted by two tower ladders from the Bloomington and Normal Fire Departments. (Photo by Maria Henneberry/WJBC)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The parents of Army Ranger Josh Rodgers have established a memorial fund with the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

Josh Rodgers of Bloomington was killed in action April 27 during a joint operation with Afghan forces. Rodgers’ parents, Kevin and Vonda, have since worked with IPCF to create the Sgt Joshua P. Rodgers Memorial Fund to provide financial support to eligible Army 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment veteran scholarships and support youth sports in the Bloomington-Normal Area.

Kevin Rodgers explained his son would be happy with a fund that honors his memory.

“Josh loved his country, his family and friends, the military, and especially, his fellow Rangers and regiment,” said Rodgers. “Josh knew his purpose in life and was living out his dream. He was an amazing friend with a big heart. He would have approved of this fund supporting his brothers and sisters in the military and also helping kids in the community play sports.”

Contributions to the fund can be made at the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation’s website or its address at 2401 E. Washington St., Bloomington.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…