PNA-UOP NEWS BITS

Cleveland, Ohio - Cory Kampf, a member of Branch 29 and a recipient of a Union of Poles Scholarship, has graduated from Oxford University, England, this past summer with a Master's Degree in Modern Chinese Studies.

In May, 2011, Cory was also promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He is currently attending TBS Training in Quantico, Virginia.

Congratulations Cory!

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Matt Grendel (no photo available) son of Dave and Carrie Grendel and a 2008 graduate of Independence High School, has been named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court. The NABC Honors Court recognizes those collegiate basketball students - athletes who have excelled in academics during the 2010-2011 season. Grendel has a 3.77 accumulative grade point average for his first three years at Lake Erie College in Painesville. Matt has made the Dean's List all six semesters while he was at Lake Erie. The 6'8" forward will be returning for his fourth season of Storm basketball as one of the key members of the team, having started 16 games in 2010-2011 and averaging six points and nearly four rebounds per game. Matthew is one of 16 athletes in men's basketball given the 2011 Winter All-Academic Excellence Award in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Matt is majoring in Education.

Another of our members showing great promise! Congratulations Matt!

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Joseph Lecznar was born on July 25, 1921, in the Southern province of Lancut, Poland to Anthony and Mary Lecznar, who were both born in Poland and emigrated to the United States in 1903. Joe's parents returned to the newly established Poland State in April of 1921, with a family of four children, soon after that Joseph was born. Joe attended elementary school, finished junior high school, and worked on the family farm.

In World War II, Joseph served in the Polish Armed Forces, 2nd Corps, attached to the British 8th Army in Italy. He was wounded in action while driving a tank in the Cavalry Unit. Joseph fought in many battles to the very end of the war and was awarded many medals and ribbons for his efforts. He transferred to England and was honorably discharged in 1947.

Poland not being a free country because of the Communist regime, Joseph decided to emigrate, first to Toronto Canada, In 1952 he joined his brother and sisters in Cleveland, Ohio establishing a permanent residence in the United States of America, where his parents once lived. Joseph believed that achieve any goal, it is essential to work as a team. He became active in various civic, cultural and religious organizations. He was a member of the PAVA of America since 1950., presently served as a Commander of Post 152. He was active in the former Alliance of Poles Group 9 (now PRCUA Society 2109), Polish National Alliance, Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA., Brooklyn Post 61, Association of Polish Women, Polish American Congress Ohio Division, Parma Polish American League, Polish American, Inc., Foundation and Center of the 2nd Polish Corps in Orchard Lake, Michigan, Harmonia Chopin Singing Society and supported Solidarity by sending medical and financial aid to the oppressed Polish people.

Joseph was to meet a nice Polish Girl and start his own family. His wish came true when at one of the Polish Dances, he met Irene, the daughter of Anthony and Josephine Kempinski. Joe and Irene were married at St. Francis DeSales Church in Parma, Ohio. They were blessed with four children; Joseph A (wife Caryl), Barbara (husband  Robert), Daniel (wife Francine) and Nancy (husband Timothy), and 9 grand children, Joseph III, Julie Jessica, Nicholas, Lindsey, LeAnn, MacKenzie, Morgan, and Macy.

Joseph passed away on August 18, 2011. May he rest in Peace.

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Submitted by:
Mark Relovsky,
Commissioner District 17 PNA