Roger was born in Chicago in 1948 and moved with his family to Tinley Park in the spring of 1949. He attended Bert Fulton grade school, Central Junior high school, and Tinley Park High School, graduating in 1966. After spending the summer of '66 surfing in California, he went to work at the United States Tobacco Company in Chicago. Roger joined the United States Army in September 1968, following in his father's footsteps. After attending basic training at Fort Campbell Kentucky and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee Virginia, he received his orders for Vietnam.

 

Roger was assigned to the Second Field Forces, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery, Charlie Battery, a unit of Duster tanks that provided perimeter security at remote fire bases and conducted convoy escorts in the 3rd and 4th corps.

 

He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry Medal with Palm Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Civic Action Medal 1st Class, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

 

After his two tours in Vietnam, he returned stateside and spent nine months at Fort Riley Kansas, the home of Big Red One.

 

In August of 1971, again following in his father's footsteps, he joined the Tinley Park Police Department where he served our community as a patrol officer, detective and crime prevention officer.

 

In 1977 Roger joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bremen Post 2791 here in Tinley Park. In 1986 he was elected to lead the post as Commander, serving in that position for four terms. Roger was the first Post Commander in the history of the post to earn the title of All-State Commander, a title the post continued for 26 consecutive years. Roger was also honored as All-State Quartermaster three times.

 

The Barton family has served our community for over 55 years.

 

Roger continues to serve the post and our community as the Judge Advocate, and is also a member of the American Legion Post 615 here in Tinley Park, The Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Vietnow, Vets-4-Vets, and the Elks Club in Crestwood.

 

Roger has one daughter Joni and one stepson Steve, and two grandchildren Mary and Layla.