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POLISH
AMERICAN CONGRESS INDIANA DIVISION
ANNUAL HERITAGE AWARD BANQUET
Merrillville, Indiana - The Innsbrook Country
Club was the new venue for the Polish American Congress -
Indiana Division's 15th Annual Polish American Heritage Award
Banquet held on November 6, 2011 in Merrillville, Indiana.
The Indiana Division of the Polish American
Congress presented the Heritage Award to Stanley Nalewski, a
World War II gunner with the U.S. 15th Air Force and flew 35
missions over Germany. He performed and sang with the
internationally renown Chopin Chorus of Gary, Indiana where he
competed in two international chorus competitions in Koszalin,
Poland. Winning first place awards both times. Nalewski is
currently an American Legion First District Chaplin.
The Distinguished Service Award was given to
Stanley Lukasik, a Korean War Marine Corps Veteran and served as
a police officer for the town of Dyer as well as for the Lake
County Sheriff's Department. As a business entrepreneur he
opened and ran Stan's Body Shop and Towing for 56 years. He also
served as a Justice of the Peace.
The Meritorious Service Award was given to
Joseph Prusz. Born in Poland, he served in the United States
Army. An active member and currently the Vice President of the
Pulaski Citizens Club of Hammond where he is responsible for the
Sister Cities Project of Chicago Heights and Wadowicz.
The Fraternal Award was presented to Phyllis
Ann Dunajski, currently serving as treasurer for the Silver Bell
Club, Polish National Alliance Lodge 2365. Dunajski was Vice
President for the club previously, heads the club's efforts with
the Lake County Special Olympics softball team, the Polish Army
Veteran's Post 15 Auxiliary, and was the PNA District XV "Woman
of the Year" in 2010.
Master of Ceremonies for the event was
PAC President Steve Tokarski. Attending the event was Paul
Odrobina, the PNA National Vice President and his wife Janice;
newly elected PNA Directors, Joseph Samreta of Region "G";
Stastia Rawicki of Rehion "H"; George Gustas, Commissioner of
District XV and newly elected Polish Women's Alliance President
Delphine Huneycutt.
Vice President Paul Odrobina greeted all
guests and thanked the PAC Indiana Division for organizing their
annual Heritage Celebration. Mr. Odrobina extended his
appreciation to those honored for their contribution to Polonia.
A letter from President Spula was read by Vice President
Odrobina. Paul also appealed to all gathered to join the PAC and
its' fraternal supporters, especially the PNA.
Recognition was given to long serving
President Steve Tokarski for his committment to his Division.
Submitted by:
Steve Tokarski,
President, Polish American Congress Indiana Division
Total: 4 Photos
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