Salamanca Veteran Honored with Awards for Military Service

For Release: Immediate, September 23, 2014

U.S. Army Sgt. Stanley J. Grochowina Recognized for Outstanding Service

SALAMANCA - For his outstanding record of military service during the Cold War era and his contributions to the protection of the United States and its NATO allies, United States Army veteran Sgt. Stanley J. Grochowina was presented with honorary military medals and ribbons on Saturday.

During a special ceremony at the Salamanca Veterans Memorial Park, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I - Olean) presented Sergeant Grochowina with the official awards conferred upon those honorees worthy of their distinction.

Sergeant Grochowina received the Good Conduct Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with “1” Device, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Auto Rifle and Grenade Bars.

“These awards are long overdue for Sgt. Stanley Grochowina, whose commendable service to our country deserves to be recognized and celebrated today. We cannot thank him enough for all he has done over the years for his country and community,” said Senator Young.

A Salamanca native born on June 19, 1961, U.S. Army Sgt. Stanley Grochowina was a senior at Salamanca City High School when he made the decision to serve his country in the United States Army. He enlisted in the Army’s Delayed Entry Program on April 16, 1979. Just over three months later, on August 31, 1979, he reported for active duty at the Military Processing Station in Buffalo, New York.

Grochowina was ordered to the U.S. Army Armored Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky, to complete Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as a combat vehicle mechanic. Following graduation, he was assigned to the 52nd Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the 1st Armored Division at Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany.

With the regiment’s 1st Battalion, Company B, Sergeant Grochowina served in Germany and the former Czechoslovakia during a period of tense relations with the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact nations. With his fellow infantrymen, Sergeant Grochowina trained for constant war readiness and was prepared to provide initial defense in the event of any hostile enemy actions.

After serving in Europe for 23 months, Sergeant Grochowina return to the United States and was assigned to the 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas. The regiment’s mission was to evaluate the new Triple-Capability (TRICAP) strategy and develop successful tactics using simulated battles with “Soviet-style” forces. TRICAP combined the use of armor, air assault, assault helicopter, and mechanized infantry in one deployable task force.

Grochowina served with the 12th Cavalry for eight months, was promoted to sergeant, and was honorably discharged on August 30, 1982, having served for three years.

Returning home, Sergeant Grochowina worked as an auto and truck mechanic for several businesses as well as Salamanca City Schools before joining the Salamanca Board of Public Utilities, where he has worked for 19 years.

He became an active member of many veterans organizations, including the Salamanca American Legion Post 535, where he served as Post Commander and Cattaraugus County Commander. With the American Legion, he was also a member of a state champion color guard and the Chef de Gare 40-8 club.

In addition to the Legion, Sergeant Grochowina has been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5296 in Salamanca and AMVETS of Little Valley.

With these organizations, Sergeant Grochowina has made many notable contributions, including his role in the founding of the Veterans Hall of Honor at Salamanca City High School.

Another of his most enduring and beloved contributions to the community was his dedicated work in spearheading the establishment of the memorials at Veterans Memorial Park in Salamanca, where Saturday’s ceremony was held.

“Even after his honorable discharge from the Army, Sergeant Grochowina never stopped giving of himself. For all he has done for us, he is worthy of our deepest respect and admiration. His life of service is an inspiration to the rest of us to imitate his tremendous example,” said Senator Young.

###