New Veterans Plaza to be Dedicated to Rea

Although Veterans Plaza might be a new addition to Tinley Park, the site will be associated with someone who has been a representative of the village for years.

READ: Tinley Park Takes Another Step in 'Hometown Hero Walk'

Officials announced Monday that the Veterans Plaza will be dedicated to Tinley native and current Village Clerk Patrick Rea in a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, according to a village press release.

"Patrick E. Rea is an iconic representative of Tinley Park and its veterans," Mayor Ed Zabrocki stated in the release.

"In many ways, Patrick can be considered a modern renaissance man—a man for all seasons," Zabrocki added.

READ: Local Retired Brigadier General Prepares to Pledge

The mayor's characterization of Rea stems from his long history of service to the country and the village. Here's a brief look at the work Rea has done, as well as some of his accomplishments:

• Put in 30 years of military service. Served in Vietnam after being commissioned from the University of Illinois ROTC in 1963 and climbing the ranks to assistant division commander, acting commander of the 85th Division and retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army Reserve.
• Worked as vice president and corporate banker for Bank One Capital Markets, as well as executive director for the Illinois Development Finance.
• Appointed regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Association's Midwest Region in 2003, serving through January 2009.
• Elected in 1971 as a village trustee, a post he held for 37 years. Among his achievements was establishing Tinley Park's Veterans Commission in 1974. He became village clerk in 2009.

"This dedication is an appropriate and fitting honor to recognize his outstanding service to community and country," Trustee David Seaman said in the release. Seaman is the Tinley Park Village Board's liaison to the Veterans Commission.

READ: Village Invites Residents to Honor Veterans with Engraved Plaza Bricks

Along with the dedication ceremony for Veterans Plaza, the Nov. 11 event also will see the official grand opening of the remodeled 80th Avenue Metra train station, which is adjacent to the plaza.

Check Out More Stories on the Remodeled Metra Station:

• Officials OK Bakery at 80th Avenue Train Station
• Chef, Hopeful Vendor Suggests 'Sweet' Idea for 80th Avenue Metra Station
• Ongoing Work at 80th Avenue Metra Station Will Interrupt Commuter Routines
• End in Sight for Work at 80th Avenue Metra Station
• Business Comings & Goings: Metra Station to Open in Tinley Park

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