A recent ceremony at the U.S. Capitol recognized the service of World War II Ranger battalions with the Congressional Gold Medal, a result of efforts by Bill Kwasnicki, Customer Account Specialist at Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Kwasnicki has served as a board member for the Descendants of World War II Rangers, an organization representing WWII Rangers and their families.
The June 26 event marked the end of a ten-year campaign by the organization to secure this recognition. "It was a long journey — ten years of advocacy, setbacks and persistence," said Kwasnicki. "We rallied support through emails, phone calls, letters and social media. Seeing these heroes honored was deeply emotional."
Kwasnicki contributed to the medal’s design and attended the ceremony with his family, including his wife Katherine, also employed at JCP&L. The honor held personal significance for him as he paid tribute to his grandfather, William Henry Kwasnicki, who was wounded three times during World War II and received both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for gallantry in action. "I never met my grandfather, but I’m proud to carry his name," said Kwasnicki. "If I live my life to be half the man he was, I’ve done good."
John Wardell, a JCP&L customer from Pt. Pleasant Beach and one of two surviving WWII Rangers present at the ceremony, was among those honored; three others joined via livestream.
Kwasnicki’s involvement reflects FirstEnergy’s broader commitment to veterans through initiatives like its Veterans & Allies Employee Business Resource Group. This group connects more than 950 past and present service members within FirstEnergy’s workforce and provides support both internally and in communities served by its electric companies.
"Bill’s leadership exemplifies the values we stand for at FirstEnergy — service, integrity, and community," said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy President, New Jersey. "We’re proud to support employees who champion causes that honor our nation’s heroes."
More information about FirstEnergy's veteran initiatives can be found on their website: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/careers/military.html.