[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE ST. STANISLAUS CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS POST 1222

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 1997

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the many 
distinguished organizations of my district: St. Stanislaus Catholic War 
Veterans Post 1222. This organization has given many years of dedicated 
service to the community.
  The Reverend John Grabowski, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church, 
gathered some 45 individuals and proposed forming a veteran's 
organization in the community. These men had just returned home after 
years of service and sacrifice in our Armed Forces during World War II. 
Father Grabowski knew these men would be willing to extend themselves 
in service to their church and their community. On February 10, 1947, 
Post 1222 was granted a charter from the Catholic War Veterans of the 
United States.
  The post's initial efforts were extended to the young people at St. 
Stanislaus Church and parochial elementary and secondary schools. 
Keeping the memory of the fallen comrades sacred was uppermost at the 
time, so on November 7, 1948, the post dedicated a memorial bronze 
plaque inscribed with the names of the 19 men of St. Stanislaus parish 
who gave their lives for our freedom.
  For over 50 years the post maintained the respect and admiration of 
the community. The post participates annually in many fundraising 
events including the Red Cross, United Way, and the March of Dimes 
campaigns. The members also host events for Catholic High School drives 
and St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Each member and officer participates in 
order to maintain the post's high ideals.
  Many of post's members were awarded honors from our upper echelons of 
the organization. Henry Jagielski and Dennis Wilde served as State 
commanders of the Department of Ohio C.W.V. Both John J. Bury and 
Thomas C. Rudnickei were recipients of the prestigious John J. Martin 
Award from the Department of Ohio C.W.V. Over the years, the membership 
roster at Post 1222 has included mayors, judges, councilmen, and other 
civic leaders over the years.
  Post 1222's first meetings were held in St. Stanislaus Church's 
basement. The Quonset Hut at 1207 South Avenue served as the home of 
the post. In 1958, the post undertook construction of a permanent home 
at a cost of over $90,000. The mortgage was burned in 1970. This was a 
remarkable achievement led by the senior trustees: Ed Rudnicki, Jim 
Gaca, Henry Jagielski, and Henry Kost.
  For the past 50 years, Post 1222 has marched in every Memorial Day 
and Veteran's Day Parade in Youngstown. Rain or shine the post's color 
guard has answered the call. There is also a special mass offered for 
all the veterans and deceased members of the post.
  Post 1222 sponsors Catholic action programs. These events address 
issues of the local community such as, education, crime, and serving 
the poor. The programs also focus on service in the Catholic Church. 
Post members assist in parish duties including ushers, alter services, 
and parish council.
  The post believes in Catholic education. Thus the organization grants 
scholarships to help young people attending parochial high school. 
Bernard Lakovich left part of his estate to the organization for 
education scholarships. Each year many parochial schools participate in 
essay and art contests, sponsored by the post and producing many State 
and national winners.
  All veterans' organizations must have a ladies auxiliary. Post 1222 
Ladies Auxiliary is tireless in their efforts of assisting the various 
events the post sponsors.
  By sharing with one another, many members of Post 1222 have achieved 
personal satisfaction. The members are unselfish in their undertakings. 
They all have toiled so that their children, by active dedication to a 
cause, will be instilled in the freedoms and benefits that these United 
States can offer. Patriotism is noble and dignified. Post 1222 has 
expressed its patriotism by making great contributions to the church 
and community. Many thanks to the members of St. Stanislaus Post 1222, 
who over the past 50 years contributed their time and energy to St. 
Stanislaus Post 1222 Catholic War Veterans.
  Current officers of Post 1222 include: Joseph M. Magielski, John 
Bury, Paul Stopnick, James Mislay, Thomas Rudnicki, Pauline Tybor, Ted 
Seidler, Sam Naples, Frank Gerchak, George Zakrzewski, Walter Glowacki, 
John Savaet, Marilyn L. Carroll, and Father Edward J. Neroda.

                          ____________________