Michael A. Zwolinski
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
CPLTomb Dates
Oct 1955 - Apr 1956Military Dates
Apr 1954 - Apr 1956Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Fall River, MACurrent City / State
Somerset, MATomb Reflections
The men I served with where some of the most dedicated and sharp men I've ever known. They did this because they knew the importance of what they were doing. I was honored to serve as a Tomb Guard, and to associate with such a distinguished group.Obituary
Michael A. Zwolinski of Somerset, MA, passed away on August 17, 2014. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Wanda (Piszcz), and his four children, including Susan Perkins (Greg) of E. Greenwich, RI, Michael (Cathy) of Westford, MA, Steven (Kathleen) of Woodstock, GA, and Kristine Ginsberg (Bruce) of Westwood, MA, as well as twelve grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Helen Biszko of Tiverton, RI, and Irene Hrycin of Fall River, and was predeceased by his sister Frances West. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church and a recipient of the Marion Medal for service. He was very active in the church's Polish community, President of the church's Polish dance group, and participated frequently in the Polish kitchen. A veteran of the U.S Army, he served as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. Michael retired from General Electric after a 35 year career as a Finance Manager and Business Analyst. Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Thursday at 9 AM from the Boyko Memorial Funeral Home, 709 Broadway, Fall River, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Church on Rockland St. in Fall River at 11AM. Burial will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River, MA. Calling hours will be Thursday 9-10:30 AM. Donations may be made to the St. Stanislaus School Endowment Fund, 37 Rockland St., Fall River, MA 02724. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?pid=172172433#sthash.dhY41cRe.dpufMemories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
Alpha Company (Honor Guard), 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), Ft. Myer, VirginiaSupport the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
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Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
