Independence Junior High Honors Their Own Veterans

The names are written on metal plaques and sit behind a glass frame. They list graduates of varying generations that all have one thing in common: military service.

Independency Junior High in Palos Heights recently dedicated its Honor Wall. The wall serves as a monument to District 128 alumni who have served in the military.

Currently 15 names are listed on the wall that includes veterans that date back to the Vietnam War. The youngest names are those of several recent high school graduates who will soon enter the military.

The effort to install the wall was lead by teacher Heather Meskimen. 

“We are a small school, but when we come together we can do great things,” Meskimen said.

The project was a joint effort between staff members, students, parents and community members, Meskimen said.

Students helped research possible honorees, and will continue to research the military careers of those whose names are printed on the wall.

“This is history that you just can’t get from a textbook,” Meskimen said. “It is really part of our school history.”

Retired Maj. Joseph Dombrowski was one of the alumni who returned for the dedication ceremony. The 1975 graduate of Crab Orchard Junior High served in the Air Force for 20 years.

“It is a real honor,” he said.

Dombrowski, who now lives in California, comes from a family of seven brothers and three sisters and still has relatives in the area

Mark Kelly just graduated from this spring and will attend the Naval Academy.

“It is great to be among the names of those who have served, or are serving,” Kelly said.

Nadine Kurchinski originally came up with the idea for the wall after viewing a similar display at Worth Junior High School.  Her son Patrick is currently serving in the Air Force.

She says he is humble and shies away from talking about the decorations and honors that he has received, but this honor will be displayed for all to see.

“It just makes me want to cry, because I’m so proud of him,” Kurchinski said.

The school is always looking to add additional names to the wall. If you know of someone who should be added you are encouraged to contact Independence Junior High at 708-448-0737.