<\/p>\n
Thomas J. Hromisin of Pittston was among seven military veterans recently honored by the Northeast PA Quilts of Valor Chapter. <\/p>\n
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\u2019s five years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s bullet, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury. With his tenacious spirit, he underwent multiple years of surgery and rehabilitation, rebuilding his life.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n