PITTSBURGH — Greater Pittston American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 189 recently attended AMVETS Department of Pennsylvania’s 72nd annual state convention in Pittsburgh. During the convention, the post’s veterans won service awards and Greater Pittston students won four awards in the Americanism program.
John Pliska, a Post 189 delegate and executive director of Department of Pennsylvania AMVETS, presided over a majority of the ceremonies and meetings. First Vice Commander Tom “Ski” Skrzyosowski won AMVET of the Year for his work with the honor guard and contributions to the community. Bernard Bubonis received the Patriot of the Year Award for his work with Boy Scouts of America, school programs, nursing homes and for setting an example as a “professional volunteer.”
Post 189 Commander Bernie McDonald accepted the Traveler’s Trophy on behalf of the post’s Sons of AMVETS squadron. The trophy is awarded to the most active squadron in the state. He also accepted awards on behalf of students who participated in the Americanism program. Students won awards for replicating the American flag and for writing essays on the importance of voting.
Kindergarten student Carmen Donato drew and colored a flag that earned first place, while first-grader Cara Welby’s flag won third place.
In the essays, eighth-grade student Bridget McDonald won second place and ninth-grader Simon Girman won first place. Girman was also awarded the Tom Kiley Traveling Trophy, which goes to the best essay by a ninth-grader. It is the fourth time in the past 10 years a ninth-grader from the Pittston Area School District has won the trophy, which will be displayed at Pittston Area High School for one year.
Greater Pittston AMVETS will present awards received in Pittsburgh at its annual family picnic, scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 at Plains Lions Pavilion, Clarks Road, Plains Township. Tickets for the picnic are $20 for adults, $10 for patrons ages 7 to 17 and free for children under 7 years of age.
To purchase tickets, call Commander Bernie McDonald at 570-817-4858 or Chaplain Richard White at 570-407-2044. Tickets will also be sold at the post’s July 20 and Aug. 17 meetings, held at Dupont Polish American Citizens Club, 111 Elm St.
