Draft:Dirk Enger

Dirk Louis Enger (born December 30, 1960) is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, former United States politician, and former ironworker union president.

From 1983-1986, he was stationed at 8th & I, Washington, D.C. and was a Corporal of the Silent Drill Platoon and Presidential Security Forces. Dirk reenlisted from 1990-1991 for Desert Shield / Desert Storm as a Corporal of the 24th Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. His unit was the STAT (Strategic Target Acquisition Team), which required Anti-Terrorist Training and Nuclear and Biochemical Training in Quantico, VA.

Over the course of his military career, Dirk received:


 * American Legion Award
 * National Defense Medal
 * Good Conduct Medal
 * Southwest Asia Service Medal
 * Desert Shield/Desert Storm Medal
 * Liberators of Kuwait Medal
 * Numerous Citation Awards of Excellence and Above the Call of Duty Award
 * Appointed Honorary Kentucky Colonel by Governor of Kentucky

Following his military service, Dirk continued working as an ironworker out of Local 393 in Aurora, IL, which he became the President of in 2014.

In 2000, Dirk began his political career by becoming a committeeman of the Democratic Precinct of the Winfield Township. In 2004, Dirk Enger ran as the Democratic candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives District 95, and was defeated by Republican candidate Randy Hultgren. He ran again in 2006, but was defeated by Republican candidate Mike Fortner. In 2008, he was elected to become a DuPage County Board Member of District 6 by beating Republican candidates James F. "Jim" Zay and Robert Larsen. He served on the DuPage County Board until 2012.

In 2007, Dirk and fellow combat veteran Bob Adams founded the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, IL. 6 years after opening the homeless shelter, Dirk and Bob were recognized by the members of the Illinois House of Representatives for serving United States military veterans through providing transitional housing and supportive services. Both founders were also commended for their commitment to veterans by the United States Congress on January 9, 2023.