Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, Army National Guard veteran, and devoted mother who has built her life around service and tradition. Growing up in Joliet, Illinois, she was raised in a household shaped by her father’s Greek roots and her mother’s Italian heritage. From an early age, she absorbed lessons in discipline, perseverance, and compassion that would later define her career in public safety, her military service, and her role as a community volunteer.
Her childhood was rooted in both culture and community. Between 1982 and 1989, her family operated Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that became a neighborhood gathering place. Her father also co-founded Vardal Engineering in 1958, which remains family-owned to this day. Growing up in that environment taught Dina to balance tradition with responsibility. Surrounded by examples of dedication, she developed the work ethic that carried her into a career of public service.
At 17, Dina began her journey in the Army National Guard, committing to service while also pursuing higher education. She earned her associate degree in Law Enforcement in 1990 before graduating Magna Cum Laude from Western Illinois University in 1992. Years later, she returned to school while balancing career and family, completing a master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in 2007, reflecting her commitment to lifelong growth and leadership.
Her career in law enforcement spanned more than 20 years, during which she worked as a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and mentor to recruits. Known for her steady presence under pressure, she became a respected figure in her field. Alongside that, she spent 22 years in the Army National Guard as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief, serving tours in Panama and Germany. She also coordinated physical fitness for her unit, supporting both readiness and morale.
After retirement, Dina Vardal transitioned to teaching and volunteering, continuing to serve others in new ways. She worked as a substitute teacher in New Lenox schools and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, local food banks, and her church. Beyond her service, she enjoys traveling to Greece, scuba diving, gardening, and cooking traditional meals. In 2022, she married Noe DeLeon Jr., and her most cherished role is being a mother to her daughter, Danira, whom she considers her greatest blessing.
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