MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTO
For quite a while, Art Frerichs (left), the father of Mark Frerichs—a Lombard native kidnapped and held hostage in Afghanistan for over two years—had the following message posted on the sign outside of his business, Art’s Master Mechanics: “President Biden. Bring home Mark Frerichs my son. God Bless America.” Well, after he and his family recently received confirmation that Mark had been released, Art happily was able to take down that message and replace it with: “Thank you. Thank you, President Biden. God Bless America.” “We’re very relieved,” said Art late last week. “It’s been a long time coming. Obviously, we’re elated.” Art said he wanted to thank everyone—locally, state-wide and throughout the country—for their thoughts, prayers and support during his son’s captivity. He also mentioned Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel, and Florida U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Green Beret, for working on Mark’s behalf—and in particular, his daughter, Charlene Cakora. “My daughter did a great job,” Art said. “She was the point person for the family to talk to the FBI and everyone. She did a great job.”
