"Thank You For Your Service," annual November Exhibit at the Niles-Maine District Library

During the month, visitors to the first floor Commons area  can view a display focusing on the World War II uniforms worn by the two oldest  Niles participants in the Veterans History Project,  Charles Matz - US Marine and Matthew Wojtaszek - US Army Paratrooper who flank their exhibit as shown. Gunnery Sergeant Matz saw extensive action in the Pacific from New Guinea through Peleliu to Okinawa while T/5 Corporal  Wojtaszek fought from North Africa through Italy and Normandy and onto Germany.

 The library acknowledges the generosity and insight shared in this exhibit by Niles resident  and historian,  Chris Reuscher, who assembled the two uniforms from his extensive collection. His website is "the place to discover and explore United States military uniforms and clothing of the World War II era."

Matthew Wojtaszek, 2014 All-American of the Year from the All-American Town of Niles

At Operation Ozarks, its 68th Annual Convention, the 82nd Airborne Division Association honored Niles Veteran Matthew Wojtaszek as its All American-of the Year. The conference was held August 20 to 23rd in Springfield, Missouri. Harold Schroeder, the National President, presented the award to Mr. Wojtaszek on August 23, 2014 at the National Airborne Day Banquet.

The following 2 pages from the convention booklet were devoted to Mr. Wojtaszek.

 

Mr. Wojtaszek' s interview for the Veterans History Project can be read 

and listened to via the website of the Niles (IL) Public Library.

The 82nd Airborne Division is known as "America's Guard of Honor."

Patch Coverage of Veterans Breakfast

Pam DeFiglio of patch.com for Niles chronicled the annual breakfast in grand fashion with engaging text and well-chosen photographs. Pam also filed a spin-off, separate story, focusing on D-Day paratrooper, Matthew Wojtaszek of Niles.