On Sunday, November 7, 2021, the De La Salle Collegiate community gathered to dedicate a new Military Wall of Honor, recognizing alumni from De La Salle and St. Joseph’s High School who have served and are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

The centerpiece of the Military Wall is a picture of Lt. Robert L. Poxon, class of 1965, who died in Vietnam in 1969, and posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon in 1972.  Lt. Poxon’s Medal of Honor citation is also displayed.

The display is on the east wall of the school’s Commons, near the front entrance.

The project, spearheaded by DLS staff member Mike Jolly, himself a military veteran, came together with the support of the school administration and a committee of alumni, staff members, and veterans. Jolly served in the U.S. Army for six years, including a year of active duty in South Korea during the Vietnam War.

“First, we want to honor the service of our DLS and SJ alumni,” Jolly said. “Secondly, we want to inspire our current students to service of any kind - not only military service but all kinds of selfless giving.”

Jolly expanded on the service aspect, adding, “We are not a military academy, and most of our kids come from civilian families. Few planned on the military as a career. Yet, our alumni - going back to World War 2 and Korea and Vietnam - when called on, they answered the call.” 

Paul Kucharek, ‘83, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, delivered the keynote address. Kucharek, who lives in Wyoming, served on active duty for 30 years, from 1988-2018, and amassed over 3,000 flying hours, including 200 combat sorties in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

“Every veteran whose name is on this memorial was molded by interactions they had at this school. I promise you that happened,” said Kucharek. “For each of these veterans, myself included, this school is today, and always has been and always will be more than a building. It’s always going to be about the people.” 

Lt. Poxon’s family was also present, including his sister Karen Beckwith, who spoke on behalf of the family. She also served on the Military Wall of Honor committee. 

DLS staff members John Berlin, Vicki Granger, and Dennis Koch read the list of names on the Wall. 

Military personnel present received a special De La Salle Military Challenge Coin, specially designed for the dedication. The coin features St. John Baptist de La Salle on one side and shows the flag and wording honoring all who served on the other. 

Junior Brendan Milligan played “Taps” on the trumpet to conclude the ceremony. 

Several donors also contributed to the effort, including Mr. Jerry Gamalski, Mr. John Nicol (‘65), a classmate of Poxon’s, Mr. Mark Torzy (‘75), Nick Frontczak, and the class of ‘61, and Mr. Charlie Seip (‘95).

Alumni who are veterans or are actively serving should submit their names via the school website at this link:
https://www.delasallehs.com/alumni/military-veterans

Committee members included:

• Mike Jolly -  Co-Chair
• John Berlin - Co-Chair
• Karen Beckwith
• Greg Breuckman
• Vito Chirco, ‘11 - Advancement Assistant
• Chris Dean, ‘89 - Assistant Principal
• Greg Esler - Advancement Director
• Linda Fraschetti - Associate Advancement Director
• Jerry Gamalski
• Joe Gerardi, ‘86 - Director of Operations
• Anita Griffin - Administrative Assistant to the Principal
• Jack Jarvis - Support Staff
• Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84 - Principal
• Mike Karas - Retired faculty member
• Dennis Koch, ‘94 - Director of Alumni Relations
• Bill Littlejohn - Retired faculty member
• Doug McKay - DLS Head Golf Coach
• Dennis Parks -  Associate Athletic Director
• David Poxon, ‘68
• Don Puchalski, ‘92
• Larry Rancilio, ‘86 - President
• Steve Stewart - Former principal
• Jeff Weidman - Highest Honor, Inc.
• Nicholas Zuccaro, ‘11