Chapel of Four Chaplains award recipients honored for contributions

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·4 min read

Oct. 10—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Bob Symon, now 92 years old, served as an Army combat medic during the Korean War's Battle of Pork Chop Hill.

Ashley Gregorchik is a Westmont Hilltop High School junior who pays tribute to veterans in her award-winning art.

Coming from those different generations, they were among seven individuals honored during the Chapel of Four Chaplains ceremony, hosted by Veteran Community Initiatives, on Monday at Asiago's Tuscan Italian, located by the Inclined Plane. Also honored were the Rev. Leo Arnone, William Cacciotti, Michael Girvin, Matthew Johnson and Tina Pelesky.

The national recognitions are given to people who make selfless contributions to their communities in the spirit of four chaplains who gave up their life vests and provided comfort to the dying when the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-boat and sank on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II.

Their stories are:

—Bob Symon (Legion of Honor Certificate of Appreciation) has been involved with numerous organizations that support veterans, including the VFW and American Legion.

"I really believe that the veterans aren't getting their fair share," Symon said. "If they were getting their fair share, why would the Wounded Warrior (Project) and Disabled (American) Veterans have to count on charitable donations to help people? The veterans I think are the most important people in this country because they fought for this country."

He also provided hundreds of meals to those in need during the aftermath of the 1977 Johnstown Flood.

—Ashley Gregorchik (Junior Legion of Honor Award) won an award during the National Museum of the Marine Corps' Third Annual Marine Corps Student Art Competition for her piece titled "Patriot Salute."

"I am very honored to be a recipient of this junior legion chaplain award," Gregorchik said. "It is especially an honor since I'm the first (local) junior recipient of this award."

She is involved with academic and athletic organizations in school, along with nonprofits, including being president of Cambria County 4-H.

"It became evident to me when I spoke to her this weekend that she really understands that the most precious gift one can give is of their time and talents, and she does that in so many ways every day," the event's emcee, John Polacek, said.

—Tina Pelesky (Legion of Honor Award) works at VCI, where she is involved with Cambria County Veterans Court and the annual Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Day ceremony.

She is a past recipient of the YWCA Greater Johnstown's Tribute to Women Award for contributions in the nonprofit sector

"I would like to challenge each of you to offer help and hope to someone in need beyond your everyday responsibilities," Pelesky told the audience. "I have always tried to help others in need in my community and even beyond, even through my job at VCI. I know as a Christian, I am called by Jesus to help others in time of need. Helping others is very rewarding for me and a true blessing."

—The Rev. Leo Arnone (Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award) spent time in the Middle East as a Navy Reserve military chaplain.

He is now pastor at St. Aloysius and St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic churches in Cresson.

"I think I have the best of both worlds being able to serve both God and country in a parish level," Arnone said. "I'm very thankful for that."

Arnone also teaches adults and children and provides comfort to the sick and dying.

—William Cacciotti (Legion of Honor Award) retired from the Army after 30 years in the active and reserve components.

He is the principal at Greater Johnstown Senior High School.

"My opportunity with the Greater Johnstown School District has allowed me to have a military career side-by-side with my education career, has allowed me to be able to work with students and teach them about selfless service," Cacciotti said.

—Michael Girvin (Legion of Honor Award), a colonel in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.

"Going forward (receiving this honor) challenges me," Girvin said. "I was just at a weekend service with my pastor. We have a youth crisis going on and we also have a veteran crisis. And there's a lot of work to be done. He asked all the 50-year-old men to stand up. He (said) 'Your work is not done. You must finish strong.' I take this award with that in mind."

He was previously named Veteran Community Initiatives' 2021 Veteran of the Year.

—Matthew Johnson (Legion of Honor Award) is vice president and general manager at Martin-Baker America, Inc., a defense contracting company.

"I really want to accept this on behalf of my family and the employees at Martin-Baker because they're the ones that support me and help me to participate in programs like this," Johnson said.

His nonprofit work includes being involved with the Centennial Flag Committee, Johnstown Area Regional Industries and Boy Scouts of America.