Page 46 - November 2019 FOP

n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
Veterans Day takes Dr. Mark Ander- ko Jr. back to a night during his tour of duty as a U.S. Navy officer. Before joining his father, Dr. Mark Sr., in the Harwood Heights dental practice that cares for so many Chicago Police Officers and fire- fighters, Anderko served more than four years in the military, providing dental care to Navy and Marine pilots and air- plane mechanics.
On duty one afternoon, he began working on a soldier who needed con- siderable treatment. Dr. Anderko worked through the night to complete the care. That night and his entire tour inspired passion and commitment in Anderko that has only fueled his desire to serve patients.
“You get a real sense of public service and what it takes to protect people by being around heroes,” Dr. Anderko con- fides. “There is no group more deserving of good healthcare than those who serve. We have to make them healthy so they can go protect us.”
The military runs strong with this one. When he was in dental school at Indiana University, a Navy recruiter captured his
interest about joining after graduation. He admits that the opportunity to do “something cool” before going into prac- tice with his father compelled Anderko to serve.
Following officer development school in Newport, Rhode Island, Anderko was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes as a dentist. He then landed at the Marine Air Corps Station in Beaufort, South Car- olina, and eventually transferred to Par- ris Island, where he served as a dentist.
During that time, he gained an affec- tion and an admiration for those who fight for freedom which makes every day Veterans Day.
“Every single person who came in wanted something good out of it and wanted to prove themselves,” Anderko explains. “You hear their stories, and it really puts a personal face on what you see in the news. It makes you really want to help people so they can be at their best.”
Anderko’s wife, Sarah, is also a dentist who serves as a civilian doctor at Great Lakes. She has added to the apprecia- tion through her father, who worked as a periodontist at the Pentagon. In fact,
Dr. Mark Anderko (right) receives the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
as an Air Force colonel, he was working on 9/11 when the plane hit the building. He assisted with the triage of those who were injured and helped set up medical treatment.
“They are a selfless population, and they have it rough,” Anderko adds about how his respect for public servants has manifested. “They do it on a whim, and, just like police officers, 99 percent of the job can be fine until that 1 percent hap- pens, and they might not come home. So the least we can do for them is give them competent care and a good experience.”
A veteran honors veterans
It is our honor to care for those who bravely protect us.
A family practice serving this community for 35 years.
Saluting our veterans. We are proud to serve those who serve and protect our freedom.
Dr. Mark Anderko Sr., Dr. Mark Anderko Jr., and Dr. Sarah Anderko are committed to giving you the healthy and happy smile you deserve.
Special Offer for
CPD Officers and Families $50 off first appointment Free 2nd opinion
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so that we may serve Your Family!
ANDERKO DENTAL CARE
5136 N Harlem Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706 708-867-5000 • www.AnderkoDentalCare.com
46 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2019