RED BANK, N.J. – With Veterans Day approaching, the Kawczynski family celebrated a hard‑won victory for their late uncle, Ed Kawczynski. After caring for him until his death in September 2024, Bob and Kathy fought for two years to obtain a Veterans Memorial Medallion that marks a veteran’s final resting place.
Family’s heartfelt dedication
Bob Kawczynski, choking back tears, recalled the sacrifice of his uncle and earlier generations of service members in his family. “When somebody goes to war for you and gives you your freedom…” he said, emphasizing the deep gratitude that motivated their effort.
Kathy added, “When you lose someone you love, you want something perfect for them.” The couple wanted a proper tribute for Ed, whose service had been overlooked due to paperwork lost by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA paperwork snafu
Bob first applied for the medallion nearly two years ago. The funeral home’s paperwork vanished, and the VA could not locate the application. A re‑application only prolonged the wait, turning months into years without the medallion arriving.
7 On Your Side steps in
Local consumer‑advocacy group 7 On Your Side intervened, working with the funeral director to locate the missing documents. Once the VA received the correct paperwork, it issued the medallion, allowing the family to finally honor Uncle Ed as intended.
Bob told Nina Pineda, “You did everything for us, everything.” Kathy echoed, “It’s something he deserved,” while Bob affirmed, “I said I would take care of him.”
Medallion now on the gravesite
The small but meaningful medallion now rests on Ed Kawczynski’s headstone, ensuring his service is remembered by future generations. “No words can express,” Bob said, tapping his heart.
This story underscores the importance of perseverance and community support in preserving the legacy of those who served our nation.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
