Bob Andrzejczak’s Path to Public Service

When the Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001, Bob Andrzejczak knew he wanted to join the Army and serve his country. After graduating from high school in 2004, Bob joined the Army in 2005 as an infantryman.
Bob was deployed in 2006 to Iraq for the first time, to fulfill his dream of protecting our nation. In Iraq, Bob was stationed in Ryad and Hawija. His deployment, initially scheduled for one year, lasted 15 months after receiving an extension on Christmas of 2006.
After recovering from a knee injury he sustained during his first tour, Sgt. Andrzejczak was deployed for a second tour to Baiji, Iraq. In the second month of his second tour, he was severely wounded when his convoy was ambushed from the rear. Bob was the rear gunner.
As they passed a crowded market in Baiji, an enemy combatant threw a hidden anti-tank grenade into Bob’s vehicle from a chicken coop, and his cockpit exploded.
Bob’s initial reaction was to save his men as he crawled to the front of the vehicle, only to realize the only man severely injured was himself with injuries that would cost him his left leg.
Sgt. Andrzejczak served from 2005 to 2010, including 17 months in Iraq. Andrzejczak was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, two Army Achievement medals, an Army Good Conduct medal, a National Service of Defense medal, a Global War on Terror medal, an Iraq Campaign medal with a campaign star, an Army service ribbon, and a Combat Infantry badge.
Returning home to South Jersey, Bob’s passion for serving and protecting the community was still as strong as ever.
Through his life-changing experience, Bob found a way to continue his dream at a local level. He got involved with veteran and community organizations in South Jersey, but he wanted to do more.
Bob met U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-2nd) in 2013, and discussed his passion for veterans’ issues and the South Jersey community.
Jeff encouraged Bob to help make a real difference and run for General Assembly.
Today, Sen. Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Bruce Land and Assemblyman Matt Milam (D-1st) have made a big impact on South Jersey. With their efforts, new laws have been created. Among some of the accomplishments to move South Jersey forward are job training and college scholarship opportunities for returning veterans, freezing property tax for seniors, strong equal pay protection; restored funding for women’s healthcare services for easier access to preventive services, prenatal care, and cancer screenings.
They have also helped our fisherman, farmers, boat manufacturers, and the tourism industry expand.
Team South Jersey accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, but there is more work to do.
For more information on Bob Andrzejczak and Team South Jersey, go to www.teamsouthjersey.com, or follow them on social media @TeamSouthJersey.
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