Photo by Amy Cherry
Diane Zelechoski, left, of Johnsonburg presents a plaque to LFH Founder Chris Jovenitti from Kunsan AFB, South Korea, where her son Cpt. Andrew Zelechoski is currently stationed.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

 Throughout the years the Letters From Home organization has received a myriad of plaques, certificates, accommodations, U.S. flags, photos and much more from American military men and women stationed around the world in appreciation of the organization’s efforts in supporting the U.S. Armed Forces.
Recently the organization received a new plaque from Kunsan Air Force Base in South Korea. Stationed at the base is Cpt. Andrew Zelechoski of Johnsonburg. His mother, Diane, presented the plaque to Letters From Home founder Chris Jovenitti.
The plaque features a photo of Zelechoski’s unit as well as a miniature replica of the U.S. and South Korean flags.
Inscribed on the plaque is “To the selfless volunteers of the Letters From Home program. On behalf of the Men and Women of the 8th Security Forces Squadron, Bulldog Fight, Kunsan AB, ROK, we would like to thank you for the kindness and patriotism that you show and spread to members of the Armed Forces. With each package you bring a little piece of home to each of us. God Bless.”
Among the most cherished recognition’s the program has received is the Pennsylvania National Guard Minuteman Award, presented to a civilian or community organization that goes above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the troops.
According to Jovenitti, Letters From Home received the award the year it was founded in 2003. She explained that while on vacation in Erie she was contacted by her son, then a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, stating a four-star general was in Ridgway to present her the award. Although she could not be present, representatives were presented with a Team Army National Guard medal, issued by President George W. Bush.
Upon returning to the area, Jovenitti was beckoned to the Ridgway Armory where Guard members who had recently returned from serving in Kosovo – including her son – presented her with the Minuteman award. The large statue features an American Revolutionary War soldier, known as Minutemen.
“I still get choked up when I talk about this award. When I saw the men standing there proudly, it was worth every ounce of doing this program. It was priceless,” Jovenitti said. “While I appreciate a four-star general visiting us, it somehow meant more coming from the men who the program was started for.”
She noted the Letters From Home program began in 2003 as what she thought was going to be a “one time thing.”
Since May 2003 the organization has sent 377,110 cards and letters to 55,852 military personnel.
Their current campaign, the Pride of Uncle Sam, will conclude on July 12 with a letter stuffing party at the Sacred Heart Activity Center on Center St. in St. Marys beginning at noon.
The organization is still in need of letters and cards for the troops.