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“HONORING THE JEWISH WAR VETERANS ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1746-E1747 on Sept. 8, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE JEWISH WAR VETERANS ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 8, 1995
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and members of the New York State Department of the Jewish War Veterans, and with American veterans everywhere, to celebrate with pride and admiration the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans.
Formed in the post-Civil War era to help counter obstacles faced by Jewish soldiers who fought in that war, the JWV not only serves to support the concerns of the many veterans who fought for their country, but also acts as a service agency to foster social action and concern among all our citizens.
The organization has been made both dynamic and effective through a succession of dedicated and highly competent leaders. It is because of such dedicated Americans that members and supporters of the JWV will gather on the evening of Sunday, October 1, 1995, to rejoice in a century of dedication and achievement.
Allow me to briefly note the accomplishments of some outstanding New Yorkers who have proudly served as JMV national commanders.
Benjamin H. Chasin entered the service in 1942, rose to the rank of captain, and received numerous awards while serving in the Pacific theater. After many years of service in the reserves, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1970. Concurrently he rose through the ranks of the JWV, and served as national commander form 1957-58.
Ralph Plofsky entered the service in 1942 and saw action with the 10th and 77th Division. After his discharge in 1945, he again served his country on active duty in Korea. Discharged as a captain of the infantry in 1951, Commander Plofsky joined the White Plains Post of the JWV and in 1964 was the first Korean war veteran to be elected national commander of the JWV or any other veterans organization.
Jerome D. Cohen got his first taste of the military at age 10, when he served as a drummer in the Sons of the JWV. At 17, he enlisted in the Navy; among his many assignments was his service for 3 years as coxswain on General MacArthur's whaleboat on the U.S.S. Nashville. He was involved in the war in
Asia, was wounded and received several citations, including the Purple Heart. After separation from the service, he began a distinguished law career. At age 22, he was elected commander of the Cohen-Lehman Post of the JWV. Demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities, he quickly rose in the JWV ranks, and in 1971 was elected national commander.
Another such distinguished commander, Nathan M. Goldberg, served in the U.S. Navy as an enlisted man and officer. He was released with the rank of ensign. He readily became active in the Albany Post of the JWV, served as its post commander and became involved in the JWV on a national level, becoming national commander in 1978. While he has served in a number of community-oriented posts in Albany, he has had major impact in his tenure as president of the National Jewish Military Museum in Washington, DC.
The distinguished past National Commander Stanley W. Zwaik served in this office from 1982-83. Initially a resident of Jamaica, NY, Commander Zwaik entered the Armed Forces in 1941 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the military police. He was active in the South Pacific, New Guinea, and the Philippines. At the close of the war, he joined the reserves and retired in 1964 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. It was in 1946 that he joined the JWV and soon became a county commander. As his leadership talents became widely recognized, he was elevated to a number of State and then national posts, resulting in his elevation to the post of national commander.
Edwin Goldwasser, national commander, 1986-87, first became involved with the JWV in 1961 in Spring Valley, NY. A most dynamic leader, he became post commander in 1967. He moved into active leadership positions in the JWV, first in New York State and eventually on the national level. Utilizing the prestige and impact of the JWV, Commander Goldwasser has undertaken many compassionate and humane projects on behalf of JWV causes, both in the United States and internationally. One such mission led him to the Vatican to assist in locating an Israeli MIA, Zachary Baumel.
It was to the great honor of the JWV that Vice President Albert Gore invited Past National Commander Warren S. Dolny to accompany him as part of the U.S. delegation to the ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Commander Dolny was also honored to be invited by the White House to attend the signing of the Israel-PLO peace accords. In 1951, Warren Dolny was drafted into the Marines. After discharge with the rank of sergeant, he became a member of the Fred Hecht Post in Spring Valley, NY. His unique leadership capabilities were quickly recognized, and he was elected post commander. Rising steadily in the ranks of the JWV, Dolny filled a variety of county, State, and national posts, culminating in his election as national commander in 1992.
Mr. Speaker, all Americans can be justly proud that our country has produced such men as these commanders of the Jewish War Veterans. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in paying tribute to these outstanding patriots, and in congratulating the members of the Jewish War Veterans on the 100th anniversary of this marvelous organization.
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