Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and proud mother whose life embodies service, strength, and commitment. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, she grew up in a home shaped by Greek and Italian traditions that instilled discipline and cultural pride. These values influenced her journey through demanding careers in both the military and law enforcement while grounding her in family, heritage, and an enduring belief in giving back to her community. Her parents provided examples of resilience and determination. Her mother operated Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that became a gathering space for neighbors, while her father co-founded Vardal Engineering, a company still run by the family today. Their ability to create lasting legacies impressed upon Dina the value of responsibility and hard work. Those lessons inspired her own life of service, leadership, and involvement in causes that continue to support people around her. At just seventeen, Dina enlisted in the Army National Guard, beginning a commitment to public service that spanned decades. She earned degrees in law enforcement, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and later pursued a master’s in Organizational Development. Education remained central in her life, providing tools for leadership and growth. She balanced academic success with her demanding career and family life, proving her determination to achieve excellence while continuing to learn and evolve. Her law enforcement career lasted over twenty years, during which she became a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and mentor to recruits. Alongside this, she dedicated twenty-two years to the Army National Guard, serving as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief. She maintained and flew on several aircraft, completed tours in Panama and Germany, and coordinated morale-building events. Her ability to perform under pressure and guide others reflected her resilience, adaptability, and leadership throughout her service. After retiring, Dina Vardal continued contributing through teaching and volunteering. She worked as a substitute teacher, supported Meals on Wheels, food banks, animal shelters, and her church. She enjoys traveling to Greece, scuba diving, cooking traditional meals, and gardening. More than any achievement, she treasures her role as a mother. Her daughter, Danira, born in 2013, is the heart of her life and the source of her greatest joy and purpose.