SR73.html

Commending Mr. John F. Gwizdak; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Mr. John F. Gwizdak of Stockbridge, Georgia, was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States at the organization´s 101st National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gwizdak was born in Revloc, Pennsylvania, grew up in Carrolltown, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958; and

WHEREAS, in 1968, he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, his service career included three tours in Germany, including a rotational tour in Berlin and in Vietnam with Company E, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade; and

WHEREAS, starting out as a heavy mortar platoon leader, he eventually assumed command of Company E based at Long Binh. He held the distinction of having served in all leadership positions from squad leader to company commander of an infantry company; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gwizdak retired from the U.S. Army in 1978 with the rank of captain and he was inducted into the United States Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, his military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; four Bronze Star Medals (including one for valor); the Purple Heart; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm device; three Army Commendation Medals; Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin); Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals; three Good Conduct Medals; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Combat Infantryman´s Badge; Parachutist Badge; and Drill Sergeant´s Badge; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gwizdak joined the VFW in 1977 and established a distinguished record of service at the post, district, and department levels. In 1988, he attained the status of All-American Department Commander, VFW Department of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, recognized as a leader in veterans affairs, Mr. Gwizdak received numerous appointments to national VFW positions and was elected to the VFW National Council of Administration in 1990, representing the Departments of Georgia and Alabama; and

WHEREAS, he is the owner and president of John F. Gwizdak, Inc., specializing in residential and commercial construction and sales and is the owner and a real estate broker of Builders Realty; and

WHEREAS, his wife, Betty, is a past department president and a past national council member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and they are the proud parents of five children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gwizdak has brought great honor and recognition to the State of Georgia as a result of being elected to this prestigious office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Mr. John F. Gwizdak on his distinguished military career and many outstanding accomplishments and especially for being elected as the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. John F. Gwizdak.