Former Posen resident, an eight year Army veteran, is deployed to Iraq

Sgt. Josh Pszczolkowski, the son of Art and Diane Pszczolkowski of Posen, represents the fourth generation of a family that has served the United States for about 100 years. Art served a term in Vietnam. His father Chester Pszczolkowski, 81, of Posen was in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Julius Ranke, Josh’s great-grandfather, served in the Calvary. Harry Montie of Rogers City, Diane’s father, was in France during World War II.

The pictures of four of the five serviceman are hung together in a neat square on the wall at Art and Diane’s home five miles northwest of Posen. It’s a respectful tribute to the men of the family who have put their lives on the line to answer the call of duty. JOSH, A 1996 graduate of Posen High School, joined the service not long after he received his diploma and has been in the Army ever since. Pszczolkowski has been in Kuwait the last three weeks waiting for word that his unit would be deployed north. That order has been given and family members learned of the news on Monday, via an email: “I’m leaving today for my move north,” he stated. “It will be a three-day convoy, so wish me luck.”

Art and Diane keep their son in their thoughts and prayers. “There really isn’t much we can do,” said Art. “You can tell he’s worried, just by his letters. He doesn’t want to say anything that is going to get us more worried.”

WITH THE help of 21st Century technology, Josh has been able to take care of some important matters from Kuwait. His Pontiac Grand Am sustained more than $4,000 in damage from the hailstorm last summer in Posen and is in the process of being repaired. Art had been getting estimates, while Josh has been making the decisions on how much work he wants done.

“I would like the car started as soon as possible, so I will have it for mid-tour leave when I come home,” he stated in a January 18 email. Josh has been told his tour of duty in the Middle East will last about a year, but he’ll possibly come with a mid-tour leave. At that time, Josh would like to visit home and drive the vehicle to Georgia and put it in storage where the paint can cure. Pszczolkowski has been living in Pollar, Georgia, south of Atlanta. He is in charge of 18 troops who maintain and repair vehicles.

JOSH FLEW to Kuwait in early January and confirmed his safe arrival on January 11. “I made it okay. I’m doing good,” he stated. “Check your email periodically, I will send you something every other day.” Diane responded: “We’re glad you got to Kuwait safely. I was worried about such a long flight. I know you must have a lot to do to get settled in. Please write when you can. We love and miss you.

” Josh was surprised at how cold it was in Kuwait after 60, 70, and 80-degree weather in Georgia. Pszczolkowski sent out three messages, all within an hour on Monday.

The first made mention of the deployment, while the second was a birthday wish for a family member: “I would send a card but I can’t find one here.” Art believes his son is concerned about the road that lies ahead and what it might bring. Art had some close calls in Vietnam but was kept out of harm’s way. He’s hoping for the same for his son and that he receives the blessing of safety during his tour in Iraq.

*** *** *** Any information provided to The Advance about or from those serving in the military would be greatly appreciated. It doesn’t matter if he or she is stationed in Afghanistan, Texas, or Sri Lanka. Drop off the information at The Advance or email it to Advancepete@speednetllc.com.

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