[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE WOLNIAK BROTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of 
extraordinary individuals, the Wolniak brothers of Syracuse, New York. 
There are five brothers in all, Joseph, Michael, Nicholas, Andrew and 
Steven. The family migrated from the Ukraine in the early 20th century 
led by Matthew Wolniak, father of 10. What makes the brother's account 
so astonishing is the courage and dedication displayed during a time of 
great peril, World War II.
  Joseph Wolniak served in the Illinois National Guard as a Private 
First Class. Michael Wolniak served five years as Staff Sergeant in the 
Army Air Corps with the 65th Fgt. Sq. and 57th Fgt. Gp. Nicholas 
Wolniak served for over five years as a Private First Class in the 33rd 
Division, 130 Infantry, 1st Company. Andrew Wolniak served five years 
as a Private First Class in the 33rd Infantry Regimental Combat Team, E 
Company, 2nd Battalion. And Steven Wolniak served several years as 
Corporal in the 125 AACS Sq.
  The Wolniak brothers' were active in a variety of theaters ranging 
from India, New Guinea, the Philippines, the invasion of Japan, to the 
jungles of Burma. Needless to say, having five members of a family 
involved in wartime operations creates an atmosphere of stress and 
tension. Faced with these overwhelming set of circumstances, the 
Wolniak brothers knew freedom and democracy come at a cost and require 
sacrifice. Keeping this in mind, the brothers served their country with 
dignity and honor.
  The most enjoyable part of this anecdote was the safe return of all 
five brothers from the European and Asian theatres. This phenomenon was 
almost unparalleled as the United States casualties exceeded 400,000 
with the majority of American's experiencing a loss of a loved one.
  I am proud to state that the Wolniak's are part of our Central New 
York community, as four of the brothers still reside in the Syracuse 
area. Nick, Mike, and Steve can still be seen at a local McDonald's for 
an early morning gathering while Andy remains in his DeWitt home.
  Mr. Speaker, I say to those listening today, America owes a great 
debt to the Wolniak brothers and all who served during World War II. 
Had it not been for the valor and devotion of the Allied Powers, both 
Europe and America would be a very different place today.

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