In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the September 2007 Veteran of the Month Recognition to Marvin Czerwonka.

Marvin Czerwonka joined the United States Army in 1964, receiving his basic training in Ft. Leonard and Ft. Dix as an infantry man. He served in Germany until September, 1967 and followed with a year long tour in Vietnam. After that tour, Marvin was assigned as a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Lewis until his discharge in May, 1971. He joined the reserves in February, 1976 and continued until his retirement in 1997 as Sergeant First Class.

Marvin's medals and awards include the Bronze Star, two Army Accommodations, Good Conduct medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Drill Sgt. Badge, Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Non-commissioned Officers Ribbon, and the Reserves Components Achievement Medal, 4 Leaf Cluster.

Marvin Czerwonka was honorably discharged in May, 1971, after serving 27 years in the military. Marvin worked for the US Postal System for 30 years as a letter carrier in Edgerton, Wisconsin. In July, 2002 he moved to Rapid City where he married Sharon Lynch in 2003. They become Foster Parents and received custody of their 8 month old, now adopted son, Hayden, Sharon's grandchild. They are licensed foster parents in addition to their four adult children, one of which is currently in the Active Army served at Camp Taji, Iraq.

Marvin is a Life Member of VFW Post 1273, served as Post Commander of Post 1273 as well as Wisconsin Post 1621. Marvin has held other offices and chairmanships as well. He is a member of the Honor Guard for Post 1273, Elect State Commander for the VFW for South Dakota in addition to being an active life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Marvin just finished as President of chapter Firebase 463, Rapid City and he is also a member of the American Legion and Cooties. Being retired, Marvin works for the military through Starforce and drives new military recruits from Rapid City to Sioux Falls three times a month.

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