Illinois Senate Republicans hosted their annual Memorial Day remembrance

Posted on June 1, 2021
Vonda Rodgers (sitting left) said her son, Army Ranger Sgt. Josh Rodgers, died on the greatest day of his life – in a successful battle against ISIS Khmer four years ago. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Before a long day of legislating, Illinois Senate Republicans hosted their annual Memorial Day remembrance, this time featuring a Gold Star mother from Bloomington.

Vonda Rodgers said her son, Army Ranger Sgt. Josh Rodgers, died on the greatest day of his life – in a successful battle against ISIS Khmer four years ago.

“Just really wanted to be a U.S. Army Ranger for as long as I can remember,” Rodgers said. She said the Gold Star experience has expanded her extended family and has helped her grieve – as does sharing her son’s story as often as possible, keeping it alive.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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