Mattoon Soldier killed in off-duty motorcycle accident

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Pfc. Joseoh Eveland

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Pfc. Joseph Eveland, 27, assigned to Company A, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Mattoon, was pronounced dead May 6 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon after an off-duty motorcycle accident.

The family of Pfc. Eveland has released a statement through the Illinois National Guard in lieu of speaking publically.

In our darkest moment, our hearts are warmed by the collective love and support of our family, our friends, our neighbors and our community. The outpouring of support and kindness has been tremendous and we cannot thank everyone enough. Joe was an excellent father, husband, brother, son, and Soldier; he would be proud and honored. This is not an easy time for us. As we navigate this difficult journey we ask media to maintain a respectful distance.

Eveland deployed with Company A to Afghanistan as part of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in August 2008 to provide transportation and supply support for Task Force Phoenix VIII. He logged more than 3,000 miles as a gunner, with the majority in the lead truck.

"Joe was a well-liked Soldier who always knew how to make Soldiers laugh while accomplishing the mission," said Capt. Elizabeth Bickett of Lake in the Hills, Company A commander. "He was always upbeat and never let anything get him down. He consistently maximized his score on the Army Physical Fitness Test. There will be a big void in the alpha company ranks without Pfc. Eveland; he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, and his young children."

Eveland, a resident of Mattoon, obtained his General Education Diploma from Coles County, Ill., in 2004. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard in October 2006 and completed basic training in September 2007. He married April May Nadolny April 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife April, sons Jordan Lee Eveland and Cayden Hayes-Thompson and daughter Chloe May Eveland, all of Mattoon.

"The death of Pfc. Eveland marks a sad day in the Illinois National Guard," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "When we lose an Illinois National Guard Soldier, their absence is felt throughout the ranks. On behalf of all the men and women of the Illinois National Guard, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pfc. Eveland."

Visitation for family and friends will be held May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schilling Funeral Home, 1301 Charleston Ave., Mattoon. Funeral services honoring his life will begin at 10 a.m. May 10 at Schilling Funeral Home with a military burial following at Dodge Grove Cemetery, 917 North 22nd Street, Mattoon.

Memorials may be sent "in care of" First National Bank, 511 Lakeland Blvd., Mattoon IL 61938. Checks may be made to the Jordan and Chloe Eveland College Fund. Schilling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Out of respect for the Eveland family, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil for all media requests.

Pfc. Joseph Eveland

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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