After 2-year battle, New Jersey family gets veteran the recognition he earned

FAMILY & PARENTING After 2-year battle, New Jersey family gets veteran the recognition he earned Nina Pineda has the story from Red Bank, New Jersey. WABC By Nina Pineda Monday, November 9, 2026 10:17PM Share RED BANK, New Jersey (WABC) -- With Veterans Day this week, the nation is honoring those who served and sacrificed for our country. But a Red Bank family spent two years fighting to secure a simple tribute for a beloved veteran. They turned to 7 On Your Side for help. "When somebody goes to war for you and gives you your freedom..." Bob Kawczynski said, choking back tears as he spoke about his uncle, Ed Kawczynski. Even now, Bob becomes emotional reflecting on the sacrifices made by earlier generations of service members in his family. Bob and his wife, Kathy Kawczynski, were both raised in military families. Kathy's father, a Marine, earned a Purple Heart during the Korean War. Bob's father and Uncle Ed both served in the Army. The couple cared for Ed until his death in September 2024 and wanted to be sure his service would be properly recognized. "You know, when you lose somebody that you really care about, you want something that's going to be perfect for them," Kathy said. "I wanted to make sure that when the time came to put him in his grave, I would do the medallion," Bob said. The medallion is small, but its meaning is significant. Any eligible U.S. veteran can have a Veterans Memorial Medallion affixed to a headstone, marking their final resting place and honoring their service. Bob applied for one nearly two years ago. He says paperwork submitted through the funeral home was apparently lost when the Department of Veterans Affairs could not locate the application. He reapplied, but months turned into years and the medallion never arrived. "It's really frustrating because Uncle Ed was a good man. And he deserved to have that," Kathy said. Woman says she was struck in face during heated road rage incident on Staten Island 4 minutes ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by NYC Department of Education 1 hour ago Massie introduces impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 33 minutes ago "And I don't relish the thought of anybody going through this, especially with my love for my uncle," Bob said. So 7 On Your Side stepped in. Working with the funeral director, we helped track down the paperwork the VA needed. Once it was submitted, the VA issued the medallion, allowing Bob and Kathy to finally give Uncle Ed the recognition they felt he had earned. "You did everything for us, everything," Bob told Nina Pineda. "It's something he deserved," Kathy said. "I said I would take care of him," Bob added. Now Uncle Ed's service is memorialized not only in the hearts of those who loved him, but on his gravesite for generations to come. "No words can express," Bob said, tapping his heart. ---------- SHARE YOUR STORY Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you! Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing [email protected] . All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics FAMILY & PARENTING RED BANK NEW JERSEY MONMOUTH COUNTY 7 ON YOUR SIDE VETERANS VETERANS DAY Watch Live ON NOW Staten Island road rage incident caught on video 4 minutes ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by Department of Education 1 hour ago Trump says he'd 'stand by' Hegseth even if he's impeached 33 minutes ago Racist letter targeting Somali family sparks outrage in Clark 1 hour ago Man charged after antisemitic threats target mother, child 8 minutes ago Man in custody after woman's death on MSC Seascape ship: officials 28 minutes ago Deadly battery fires fuel NYC crackdown on e-bikes 2 hours ago Another crash rocks Stratford neighborhood 33 minutes ago