Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)

1945 / Verhovay Journal

Page 2

Verhovay Journal

July 25, 1945

WHY DOESN’T SOMEONE TELL US THESE THINGS?

(Continued from Page 1)

diese explanations by a recent experience which made us shake our head sadly because Of the lack of cooperation received by us in this matter. , ^

DISCHARGE PAPER TELLS EPIC STORY

While opening the mail for the Home Office we ran across an application for reinstatement in the Sick Benefit Department. The medical report was enclosed and also, according to regulations, the honorable discharge paper of the applicant. Being deeply interested in everything that concerns the membership and especially our soldiers and veterans, we read the cryptic data which revealed an epic story that left us breathless. We hope that our fellow-members will kindly forgive us for publishing these data without asking for his permission. Since decorations are made public by the War Department, we feed that we are entitled to consider them public property which we proudly share with our fellow-members.

RECORD OF ST/SGT. FRANK E. ZALANKA OF FAIRPORT HARBOR, OHIO

Staff Sergeant Frank E. Zalanka, a member of Branch 20, Fairport Harbor, O., was born in Mollister, O., on July 16, 1919. His discharge paper tells us that he served with the Medical Corps and saw action in Algeria, French Morocco, Tunicia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, South France, Central Europe, and Rhineland. He sailed to North Africa in October, 1942.

He was thrice wounded in action each time in Italy, on the following dates: September 23, 1943, November 10, 1943, January 27, 1944. Newspaper-reporters, soldiers and veterans constantly praise the heroic services performed by our Medical Corpsmen in the battle-lines. The fact that Frank Zalanka was wounded th<’ee times in succession is proof with how little regard for his own safety he rushed to help his wounded comrades. And the decorations awarded to him, confirm our assumptions.

St/Sgt. Frank E Zalanka holds the following decorations: “EAME” THEATRE OF WAR RIBBON, 8 BRONZE STARS, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT RIBBON, MEDICAL BADGE, PURPLE HEART, 2 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, THE SILVER STAR MEDAL . . .

Surely we all agree that Frank E. Zalanka has made a tremenduous contribution to the nation’s ward effort and that his outstanding record ought to be made known to all Verhovayns. We are certainly happy to know that he returned to his loved ones safely after having been discharged on the ground of a great number of points to his credit. We extend a hearty welcome to our fellow-member Frank Zalanka and wish that he may find the reward for his unseifisb, heroic services in a long and happy life!

DON’T HIDE YOUR LIGHT!

The application of this man and his discharge paper may easily have escaped our attention if it had arrived on one of those days when mail is espeeiaily heavy. We may have never known of Frank E. ZnJanka’s outstanding record which now becomes a part of the “Verhovay Epic”. Of course, there is much more to his story than the dry facts set forth in his discharge paper. The rest is left to our imagination. But we are glad for the privilege of being able to write that much about him.

Now it is obvious that there are hundreds of Verhovay soldiers whose heroic achievements are not known beyond their own family circle. We feel that injustice is done to them and also to the membership of the Association by keeping their receord from the public.

Don’t hide your light which is supposed to shine upon the immigrant population and its descendants revealing their loyalty, their patriotism and their unceasing love for America. Regardless of which nation the members of the Verhovay descend from, they need this light and they shouldn’t be deprived of its benefits.

Our Journal belongs to the membership. It is designated to inform the membership of all that is going on. Right now, its columns are dedicated first of all to our soldiers, the foremost exponents of Verhovay «patriotism and loyalty. It can’t serve its purpose, if the material is not furnished by those who are right at the source of news.

Soldiers, their families and the branch-officers should do their utmost to help us compile the Verhovay record of this war. Don’t hesitate to send in your clippings, pictures, stories and letters. They’ll help make the Journal what is should be: a Journal written of the Verhovayans, by the Verhovayans and for the Verhovayans.

Quite possibly the manager of Branch 20 of Fairport Harbor, O., did not know about the outstanding record of St/Sgt. Frank E. Zaianka. But every effort should be make to make these things known in the great family of Verhovay members.

In view of the record of Frank E. Zalanka, as published above, we are sure that our readers don’t blame us for exclaiming:

“WHY DOESN’T SOMEONE TELL US THESE THINGS?’’

TWINS JOIN VERHOVAY

William and Stephen Vajda, 7 year old twins, the sons of JIrs. Esther Vajda, McClure Street, Munhall, Pa., recently became members of our Juvenile Branch 430, at Homestead, Pa. Their brother, James, also a member of Branch 430, is serving Uncle Sam in the Air Corps. (Cpl. Wm. C. Kohut)

VERHOVAY SPORTSMEN of BRANCH 164

----- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ------A month or so ago, Jolán Lucas of Detroit had many nice words to say about our new and improved Journal. It is no more than right, that “Just me”, one of the oldest contributors, should add my two cents in this matter too.

Jolán Lucas is right. Our Journal has improved with new and educational articles about fraternalism and matters of general interest. That reminds me of the familiar saying “Something new has been added”. I recall the hardship and the unpleasant hours I had years ago, to gét my articles printed; Articles which are not any different from my writings of today.

So — if we, volunteer contributors, will give an encouraging hand to our unknown editor, it will be beneficial to all our old readers and the new ones that will follow.

Routine business, as usual, is very slow in the summertime. Thanks to our officers, we have no meetings in July and August and so there is very little to report in this line.

There are two big affairs in the making. One is our big Jubilee Celebration, October 7th, at the Masonic Hall on Irving Park Boulevard and Keeler Ave. The other is the Bread and Water Banquet arranged by the Hungarian-American Relief Chapter 43 where Branch 164 is a Charter Member.

This unique banquet will take place in the Dr. Herzl Hall’s Grand Ballroom which has a seating capacity of 800 or more. The idea is not new. It originated a few weeks ago in Pittsburgh by our Supreme Secretary, Coloman Revesz, and was brought to Chicago by our Senior Secretary. I sincerely hope that members of our Branch will

co-operate on these two important occasions.

There is no exicting news from our boys and girls in the Armed Forces. Just recently, Member Rosalie Kish, formerly of Sharon, Penn., joined the Army as a Second Lieuteftant in the Army Nurses Corps and she was followed by Joseph Kovács, son of Illés Kovács, as a “Buck” private.

Pleasant news to report are a few Honorable Discharges. Number one on the list was Sgt. Frank Feifar followed by Julius Jones who also left the Army with the rank of Sergeant. Julius is back on his old job with the Sloane Valve Company but now has a young Mrs. waiting at home for his pay envelope. It will be a pleasure meeting her personally as a Verhovay member. That, last remark is also extended to young Mrs. Steve Risko and her brother-in-law, Ernie Taylor, both from Villa Park, Illinois.

An unexpected furlough by Cpl. James Kolozy made his folks very happy. James, after nearly three years in Service, is ready to be shipped over as a Crew Chief on a B-29. Before leaving home, James presented his mother, our Mrs. Kolozy, with $600 worth of War Bonds bought through Verhovay 164. It makes me, and all of us, very proud to have boys like Cpl. James among our members.

A small personal item in one of our local Hungarian papers was called to my attention. Let me quote: “Lt. Frank Kantor, home on furlough from the battlefields of Italy, still knows how to dance the csárdás. He showed his technique at the local Rákóczi Picnic on July 4th” — Uiipuote.

Sailor Tury, after two years of 1 hospitalization, has completely. . .

WHAT SORT OF A MEMBER ARE YOU?

Are you an active member— The kind that would be missed; Or are you just contented That your name is on the list?

Do you attend the meetings And mingle with the flock;

Or do you stay at home And criticize and knock?

Do you take an active part To help the work along;

Or are you satisfied to be The kind that just belong?

Do you ever go to visit A member who is sick;

Or leave the work to just a few, And talk about the clique?

There’s quite a program scheduled Which I’m sure you’ve heard about. We’ll appreciate if you, too,

Will come and help us out.

So come to the meetings often And help with hand and heart; Don’t he just a member,

But take an active part.

Think this over, Sisters;

You know right from wrong. Are you an active member,

Or do you just belong?

recovered and is stationed, at present, in Norfolk, Va. Albert Tury, the older brother of Erven, carries his A-l classification in his wallet and has his little suitcase packed and ready.

In my last issue I wrote about Lt. Ted Feifar’s devoted interest to a certain Chicago M-P. Now I’m informed that our lieutenant is officially or unofficially, engaged to Miss M. P. who teaches school in one of our suburban towns and who, some years ago, made a big hit with her theatrical ability. May 3he best of luck be with you always.

Before X go further, I must call our readers attention to two new business undertakings. The Kőműves and Silady families are operating an up-to-date Tavern at 649 W. North Avenue while the Small family manages the Otis Resort at Antioch, 111. A real Verhovay welcome awaits you.

After 7 months of hard work, our Jubilee Book is completed. Early next month, the 32 page book goes to press. Nearly 50 pictures, a very interesting article by Rev. Rettmann, our editor of the Journal, and our two Honor Rolls will make the book welcomed by all our members, friends and advertisers, who will receive the book through the mail.

Thanks to all who helped us in our undertaking. Thanks to you in the name of our boys, who will receive the benefits in the form of Christmas presents.

Our Summer Bowlers are doing their best to get in shape for the promised tournament. My next issue will give you the scores and general happenings of our league which may be of interest to lovers of bowling.

Before closing, our Senior Secretary and I must thank our members and friends for helping us put over the War Loan Drive. Over $100,000 in Bonds to the credit of Branch 164 and that is something more to be proud of. Remember the 8th Drive is far away so buy NOW and satisfy yourself and the ones who are fighting for us.

Just me, —

MARGARET STANGRET, 1427 So. Sawyer Ave. Publicity Agent, Chicago, 23, 111.