9-16-13 soldier from fdl drowns in texas lake

A Fort Bliss Army  soldier from Fond du lac has died in a drowning accident in Texas.    The body of 21 year old Rob VandeZande Jr.   was recovered from Elephant Butte lake Saturday night..  Officers from the New Mexico State Police Department's Dive Team recovered the body 50-feet from the shore, in eight-feet of water, near the "Dirt Dam." That's south of the main boat ramp area. New Mexico State police said Vande Zande was a soldier station at Ft.  Bliss. They said it appears Mr. Vande Zande was swimming and began to experience problems preventing him from staying above water. Alcohol is not a factor in this drowning.  VandeZande was a Fond du Lac High School graduate and son of former Fond du Lac councilmember, Rob VandeZande.