Neighbors Plan Car Parade For EP Resident Heading To Army

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Neighbors are planning a surprise car parade for an Evergreen Park resident who is leaving for Army boot camp next week. The parade for 18-year-old Jack Novak is set for Jan. 18. Jack will be leaving for boot camp the next day.

Brittney DeMik is coordinating the details. She says the parade is a surprise, but Jack isn’t a “social media guy” and gave us permission to promote the parade. Participants will meet at 3:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Evergreen Park Community High School, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave. The parade will start heading to Jack’s house at 3:30 p.m. Bring an American flag or deck your car in a patriotic theme. Please RSVP with Brittney at demik.brittney@gmail.com.

Jack is the son of Amy and Rob Novak, a teacher at EPCHS. He has a twin brother, Charlie, and older brother, Dan. Jack’s great aunt is Lenore Goodfriend, a well-known veterans advocate and aide to former Congressman Dan Lipinski. Her sister, long-time resident Marge Daley, is Jack’s grandma.

Jack has worked at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn for several years. He was encouraged to enlist by talking to veterans at the post.

If you can’t participate in the parade but still want to be part of the day, email some words of encouragement for Jack to Brittney.