October 28, 2009
Sen. Bob Jauch (608) 266-3510
Rep. Nick Milroy (608) 266-0640
State Legislature Honors Fallen Soldier Staff Sgt. Jeremy Vrooman
MADISON €“ The Wisconsin State Legislature honored fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Vrooman on October 27, 2009 at the State Capitol in Madison with Senate Joint Resolution 50, introduced by Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and Representative Nick Milroy (D-Superior).
SSG Vrooman was killed in action in Iraq on July 15, 2008 during his second tour of duty. As team leader of his platoon, he was the first to enter a building in Kn’an, Diyala Province that was rigged with improvised explosive devices which detonated when Sgt. Vrooman entered. Because of his leadership and bravery, SSG Vrooman saved the lives of 35 of his fellow soldiers. He was awarded with a Purple Heart and Bronze star for the lives he saved while sacrificing his own. The Wisconsin State Legislature honored SSG Vrooman and his family for the courageous sacrifice that he made, and that his family experiences every day. SSG Vrooman is a true hero who is deeply missed by his family, this state, and our nation.
SSG Vrooman’s father and step-mother Bruce and Sue Vrooman of Superior, WI; his mother and grandmother Lori Donahue and Audrey Watzek of Sioux Falls, SD; his uncle Loren Vrooman of Dell Rapids, SD; and his cousin Amber Christensen attended special Fallen Soldier Ceremonies for the passing of the Senate Joint Resolution honoring SSG Vrooman in the State Assembly and Senate and were presented with a plaque and flag in honor of his life and service.
SSG Jeremy Vrooman is also survived by his immediate family, his wife Latrecia and his two children Jade and Xavier of San Antonio, TX; and his brother Justin Vrooman, also serving in the United States Army.