Dina Vardal
Retired Police Officer, Substitute Teacher
Dina Vardal was born in Joliet, Illinois, into a family shaped by Greek and Italian traditions. Her father came from the island of Mykonos, Greece, and her mother from Ferrara, Italy. Together, they built a home centered on love, tradition, and community.
The Vardal family became part of Joliet’s fabric through their work. From 1982 to 1989, her mother, Danira, ran Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that served as a gathering place for food, stories, and friendship. Years earlier, in 1958, her father and uncle founded Vardal Engineering, which remains in operation today as a testament to the family’s commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Education and Ambition
Dina knew from a young age that she wanted to dedicate her life to public service. At just 17, she joined the Army National Guard. Around that same time, she began her education at Joliet Junior College, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement in 1990.
She continued her studies at Western Illinois University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration and a minor in Accounting. She served as President of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group and was an active voice in student life.
Her commitment to learning never stopped. In 2007, while balancing career and family, Dina earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University, showing her dedication to growth and leadership.
Law Enforcement Career
For over two decades, Dina served in law enforcement, where she built a reputation for professionalism, skill, and mentorship. She became a certified SWAT officer, a role requiring rigorous training and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
She also worked as a firearms instructor, teaching safety and responsibility through concealed carry and firearms courses. Training recruits was another key part of her role. Dina took pride in preparing young officers for the challenges they would face, emphasizing both discipline and compassion. Her colleagues respected her steady leadership and her ability to guide others through difficult situations.
Military Service and Aviation Career
Alongside her law enforcement career, Dina proudly served 22 years in the Army National Guard. Stationed at Midway Airport with the 106th Aviation Unit, she worked as a helicopter mechanic, maintaining aircraft such as the OH-58, UH-1H, UH-60 Blackhawk, and CH-47 Chinook.
Her dedication and expertise earned her the role of crew chief, where she supervised mechanics and ensured high standards of readiness. She also served as her unit’s physical fitness coordinator, guiding fellow soldiers in maintaining health and meeting military requirements. Beyond technical work, Dina Vardal strengthened morale by organizing events such as military balls and holiday celebrations.
Her service included tours in Panama and Germany, which expanded her cultural understanding and allowed her to build lifelong friendships with fellow soldiers from around the world.
Teaching and Mentoring
After retiring from both the military and law enforcement, Dina transitioned into education. She became a substitute teacher in the New Lenox School District, focusing on students from grades 1 to 8.
Her experience as an officer and soldier carried into the classroom. With patience, structure, and encouragement, she created a learning environment where children felt supported. For Dina, teaching became another form of service, one that allowed her to inspire young minds.
Personal Interests and Traditions
Beyond her professional life, Dina embraces activities that connect her to her roots and bring her peace. She travels regularly, especially to Greece, where she reconnects with family heritage and finds renewal. She is also passionate about scuba diving, exploring new environments, and seeking adventure.
At home, Dina enjoys gardening, nurturing flowers, vegetables, and plants throughout the year. Cooking is another passion, and her traditional Greek meals—especially her cookies—are well-loved by friends and family.
Sports also played a role in her life. During college, she played tennis at both Joliet Junior College and Western Illinois University, an experience that kept her active and engaged. She was active on campus and even featured in her school newspaper, reflecting her energy and involvement during her student years.
Commitment to Community Service
Service has always been a guiding value in Dina’s life. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals and companionship to those in need. She has also contributed to her local food bank, supported the NAWS animal shelter, and participated in church activities at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.
Whether through significant commitments or everyday kindness, Dina has consistently sought ways to strengthen her community and care for others.
Family and Personal Life
Of all her roles and accomplishments, family remains the most important to Dina. In 2022, she married Noe DeLeon Jr. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet, celebrating their union with faith and tradition.
Her daughter, Danira, born in 2013, is her greatest joy. Dina Vardal considers motherhood her most meaningful role, often saying that Danira is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
The Vardal family became part of Joliet’s fabric through their work. From 1982 to 1989, her mother, Danira, ran Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that served as a gathering place for food, stories, and friendship. Years earlier, in 1958, her father and uncle founded Vardal Engineering, which remains in operation today as a testament to the family’s commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Education and Ambition
Dina knew from a young age that she wanted to dedicate her life to public service. At just 17, she joined the Army National Guard. Around that same time, she began her education at Joliet Junior College, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement in 1990.
She continued her studies at Western Illinois University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration and a minor in Accounting. She served as President of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group and was an active voice in student life.
Her commitment to learning never stopped. In 2007, while balancing career and family, Dina earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University, showing her dedication to growth and leadership.
Law Enforcement Career
For over two decades, Dina served in law enforcement, where she built a reputation for professionalism, skill, and mentorship. She became a certified SWAT officer, a role requiring rigorous training and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
She also worked as a firearms instructor, teaching safety and responsibility through concealed carry and firearms courses. Training recruits was another key part of her role. Dina took pride in preparing young officers for the challenges they would face, emphasizing both discipline and compassion. Her colleagues respected her steady leadership and her ability to guide others through difficult situations.
Military Service and Aviation Career
Alongside her law enforcement career, Dina proudly served 22 years in the Army National Guard. Stationed at Midway Airport with the 106th Aviation Unit, she worked as a helicopter mechanic, maintaining aircraft such as the OH-58, UH-1H, UH-60 Blackhawk, and CH-47 Chinook.
Her dedication and expertise earned her the role of crew chief, where she supervised mechanics and ensured high standards of readiness. She also served as her unit’s physical fitness coordinator, guiding fellow soldiers in maintaining health and meeting military requirements. Beyond technical work, Dina Vardal strengthened morale by organizing events such as military balls and holiday celebrations.
Her service included tours in Panama and Germany, which expanded her cultural understanding and allowed her to build lifelong friendships with fellow soldiers from around the world.
Teaching and Mentoring
After retiring from both the military and law enforcement, Dina transitioned into education. She became a substitute teacher in the New Lenox School District, focusing on students from grades 1 to 8.
Her experience as an officer and soldier carried into the classroom. With patience, structure, and encouragement, she created a learning environment where children felt supported. For Dina, teaching became another form of service, one that allowed her to inspire young minds.
Personal Interests and Traditions
Beyond her professional life, Dina embraces activities that connect her to her roots and bring her peace. She travels regularly, especially to Greece, where she reconnects with family heritage and finds renewal. She is also passionate about scuba diving, exploring new environments, and seeking adventure.
At home, Dina enjoys gardening, nurturing flowers, vegetables, and plants throughout the year. Cooking is another passion, and her traditional Greek meals—especially her cookies—are well-loved by friends and family.
Sports also played a role in her life. During college, she played tennis at both Joliet Junior College and Western Illinois University, an experience that kept her active and engaged. She was active on campus and even featured in her school newspaper, reflecting her energy and involvement during her student years.
Commitment to Community Service
Service has always been a guiding value in Dina’s life. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals and companionship to those in need. She has also contributed to her local food bank, supported the NAWS animal shelter, and participated in church activities at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.
Whether through significant commitments or everyday kindness, Dina has consistently sought ways to strengthen her community and care for others.
Family and Personal Life
Of all her roles and accomplishments, family remains the most important to Dina. In 2022, she married Noe DeLeon Jr. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet, celebrating their union with faith and tradition.
Her daughter, Danira, born in 2013, is her greatest joy. Dina Vardal considers motherhood her most meaningful role, often saying that Danira is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
