Public works veteran takes volunteering, honoring vets to heart
LOMBARD, Illinois—With the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor approaching Dec. 7, it seems fitting to introduce village of Lombard's Public Works employee Kevin Kostuchowski, who takes remembering veterans to heart.
Kostuchowski was born on a Naval base in Florida. Both his parents were in the Navy and so was his brother. But not him. He chose the Army and it has had a lasting impact on his life.
Having joined the Army at 19 and having served in the Army Infantry from 1983-1987, Kostuchowski joined the American Legion in 2002. “I joined the American Legion at the urging of a friend, he said. “ I wanted to get involved because the young men coming out of the service today have a different focus. They want to get on with their family, jobs, and education, and don't always have time for the American Legion. The American Legion is a commitment to preserve the benefits earned by veterans for the next generation of veterans,” Kostuchowski added.
Kostuchowski, an Underground Utilities Maintenance Worker II in the Village's Public Works Department, is involved extensively in the American Legion of Maple Park Post 312, near his home of Sycamore. He is currently serving his third year as the Commander of the Kane County Council of the American Legion and is thoroughly enjoying his volunteer service.
As Commander of Kane County, it is Kostuchowski's responsibility to be a leader and advisor to the 2,151 members of the 11 posts in Kane County. He is also the Sergeant-at-Arms of the 11th District, which includes Kane, DuPage, McHenry and Will counties 9,895 members and 54 posts. The 11th District is currently ranked number seven in the state for Legion membership.
Kostuchowski also serves as the Chairman for the Veterans Assistance Commission in Kane County, a position he has held for the past year. He also currently serves on the following County/District Committees: POW/MIA , Boy Scouts, the Legion Riders (a motorcycle club composed of Veterans) and as the Veterans Assistance Liaison.
Participating in Memorial and Veterans' Day ceremonies are most meaningful to Kostuchowski, along with the numerous funeral details he has served, because “we are losing our World War II Veterans at an alarming rate,” he said. “They are going quick and I don't want people to forget what our Veterans have sacrificed for us,” he added. “The funerals are important to the families of our Veterans. Veteran families know that we honor our fellow comrades with the ceremony and that they're never alone, or forgotten,” he added.
Kostuchowski has participated in Legion Leadership Training and assures that he gives whatever is required and more when necessary to get the job done. “These jobs take a lot of knowledge and discipline,” he offered. “It's not easy but if it's worthwhile, I'm up for the challenge.”
Thank you Kevin for your service to our country and for the service that you continue giving to the American Legion.