Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Resurrection College Prep Graduate, Air Force Veteran to Lead Parade

 Ramina Oraha, a member of the class of 2003, an Air Force veteran, suffered a stroke in 2008. She lives with her parents, Elizabeth and Albert.
Ramina Oraha, a member of the class of 2003, an Air Force veteran, suffered a stroke in 2008. She lives with her parents, Elizabeth and Albert.
View Full Caption
Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce

NORWOOD PARK — A Resurrection College Prep High School graduate and Air Force veteran will serve as the grand marshal of the Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade May 25.

Ramina Oraha, who was deployed to Iraq in 2006 as a senior airman, graduated from the all-girls Catholic high school in Norwood Park in 2003.

Oraha, who was serving as part of the 28th Force Support Squad, was stationed at Talil Air Base in Iraq when the base was attacked with mortars.

While home on leave in January 2008, Oraha suffered a stroke, which paralyzed her right side and has limited her vision, speech and mobility.

Oraha's stroke was caused by an aneurysm that ruptured on her 23rd birthday, a result of the injuries she suffered during the mortar attack, officials said.

Oraha lives with her parents, Elizabeth and Albert, and regained the ability to walk after three months of intense therapy, surprising her doctors. One of her favorite things to do is to spend time with her two dogs in her recently renovated home, her family said.

Oraha was picked to serve as the parade's grand marshal to thank her for her service and honor her commitment to America, said Bea McDonough, executive director of the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce.

The parade, which has taken place for more than 100 years, will step off at 11 a.m. May 25 at Onahan Elementary School, 6334 W. Raven St., and finish at Taft High School, 6530 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

At 12:15 p.m., a veteran tribute ceremony, flag ceremony and performance by the Taft Eagles Choir and the Drum and Bugle Corps will take place, organizers said.

The winners of the 2015 Norwood Park Dollars for Scholars $500 tuition awards will also be announced, organizers said.

For more information, email NorwoodParkMemorialParade@gmail.com or call 773-269-9904.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: