Always remember, never forget

    On the evening of Nov. 6, 2008, Josh Jahn lost his family at the hands of a drunk driver. As the 10th anniversary of the crash that claimed the lives of his wife, Mandy, and their two children, Ryan and Kaitlyn approaches he’s inviting the community to join him in honoring their memory.
    Always Remember, Never Forget is the motto Jahn adopted after the crash. Now a motivational speaker, he shares his story of loss with thousands of high school students, drunk driving offenders, and a variety of other audiences with a message that there is power in individual choice.
    Jahn is bringing his message to Grundy County in hopes of preventing families from experiencing a similar loss. His story is one of sorrow, but also one of healing and determination to contribute for good, inspired of tragedy.
    The community is invited to join Jahn and his wife, Timberlie, on the Grundy County Courthouse lawn, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. He will also be joined by Judge Sheldon Sobol, who was serving as Grundy County State’s Attorney at the time of the crash, and Allison Seyes, program director with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
    Due to the content of the program, it is recommended those attending be high school age or older.
    On the night of the crash, Mandy Jahn was on her way home to Dwight when  a westbound vehicle driven by Ann Marie Getz, of Ransom, failed to stop at the intersection of Route 47 and Gardner Road, broadsiding Jahn’s vehicle at a reported 68 miles per hour.
    The force of the crash ejected 3-year-old Ryan Jahn and 11 month old Kaitlyn Jahn from their car seats and the car. Mandy Jahn died at the scene and the children a short time later at Morris Hospital.
    Getz, who had two prior convictions for driving under the influence, was sentenced to 24 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
    Those attending the program are asked to contribute one new, unwrapped toy in honor of Ryan and Kaitlyn. The donations will go to children in need throughout Grundy and Will counties through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters.