Remembering a soldier through an enduring gift for kids
Kevin Landeck loved children and children loved him. In fact,
his father, Rich, describes his son as “just a big kid at heart.” Rich recalls
that even when Kevin was an adult, neighborhood children would come to the
family's door asking for him. “It wasn't unusual to see him having water fights
with five- and 10-year-olds,” says Rich.
Even after a road side bomb in Iraq claimed his life at age 26,
U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Landeck continues to help children. In October 2007 his family
gave a $2,500 gift in his memory to Children's Memorial from a portion of the
proceeds from the first Capt. Kevin C. Landeck Memorial Golf Outing at Arrowhead
Golf Course in Wheaton, where Kevin grew up.
To honor Kevin and his family for their generous memorial gift, the Landecks were invited to include Kevin's name on the 2007 Gifts of Love plaque,
located in Children's Memorial's Siragusa lobby.
The outing was the idea of the Landecks' neighbors, John and Mary Carlson,
who suggested organizing a fundraiser as a fitting way to remember Kevin and
celebrate his life. Some 144 golfers took part in the outing, which also
included a dinner attended by 235 guests. Rich says he, his wife, Vicki, and
their daughter, Jennifer, were “thrilled” by the outpouring of support at the
event.
“It just seemed logical to donate to a place that helps children, and
Children's Memorial was first on our minds,” says Rich, who adds that as a baby
Kevin was treated at the hospital for bronchitis. “I remember that the doctors
and nurses there were just wonderful.”
During his time in Iraq, Kevin made a point of interacting with Iraqi
children.
“Many of the pictures he sent back home were of him with kids,” says longtime
family friend Ronald Graham of Bridgeview Bank, who presented the donation from
the Capt. Kevin C. Landeck Foundation to the hospital. “He was a big brother
type, and he never outgrew that.”
Rich says Kevin always wanted to be in either the military or the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He received his degree in Criminal Justice from
Purdue University, where he joined the ROTC program and met his future wife,
Bethany. Bethany is currently serving in the National Guard. Kevin was
commissioned upon graduation as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, and was
deployed to Iraq in September 2006. He was scheduled to be promoted to Captain
shortly before he was killed, and received his promotion posthumously.
Even while stationed overseas, Kevin remained in touch with neighborhood
children. He corresponded with students at Whittier Elementary School in Wheaton
– which he attended as a child – as well as with children at Timber Trails
School in Hoffman Estates.
Tragically, Whittier students were preparing to
send him 50 Valentine's Day Cards when they learned of his death.
Rich says the family hopes to continue its relationship with Children's
Memorial. When asked how his son might feel knowing that the lives of sick
children will benefit thanks to him, Rich doesn't hesitate in answering.
“Kevin would be so proud,” he says. “Without a doubt he'd be on Cloud Nine.”
If you'd like to contribute to Children's Memorial in Kevin's honor, consider
making a Tribute or other gift.