Thomas J. Hromisin of Pittston was among seven military veterans recently honored by the Northeast PA Quilts of Valor Chapter.
More than 100 people attended the quilt presentation ceremony at the Plains Township Municipal Pavilion. The event also heralded the 250th quilt presented to veterans during the chapter’s five years.
Hromisin joined the U.S. Army following his 2005 graduation from the University of Scranton, where he was a member and top graduate of the ROTC program. After graduating, as a 2nd Lieutenant, he reported to Fort Lewis, Wash. His intensive training focused on the Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS), an eight-wheel armored combat vehicle.
In 2007, he deployed to Iraq, where he served as an MGS vehicle commander, breaching walls, destroying bunkers and providing rapid, direct fire to support assaulting infantry. While on a mission, he was hit by a sniper’s bullet, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury. With his tenacious spirit, he underwent multiple years of surgery and rehabilitation, rebuilding his life.
The honoree was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. Among his awards are the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Other honorees included Michael Bilski, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Army National Guard; Stanley Marchak, Plains Township, U.S. Marine Corps; Sean Downs, Nanticoke, U.S. Army Reserve; Frank Rinkievicz, Hanover Township, U.S. Navy; Wesley Baker, Benton, U.S. Army; and Christine D. Brague, Montoursville, U.S. Army.
For information about the chapter, email northeastpaquiltsofvalor@gmail.com or visit the Northeast PA Quilts of Valor Facebook page.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.