Sonia Gatzke
Past Post Commander - Army
Sonia was born in Sonia Susann Dunn in Marlboro, Massachusetts on the 27th of March 1923. She joined the US Army on December 6th, 1944. Sonia finished Nursing School in Waltham Hospital of Nursing, May of 1944 and received her training at the Hospital, Sonia was 1st Stationed in Iceland where she was assigned to serve on board Army troopships bringing wounded soldiers back to the United States and returning with Fresh Troops back to Europe. Sonia had made many crosses back and forth and was on her way to Japan when Japan surrendered. Onboard this ship the USNS Admiral Cap is where she met her husband of 70 years. Allan was a member of the crew onboard this ship. Sonia and Allan were married on the 18th of April 1946. Sonia was discharged from active duty on 5 May 1947 at the Rank of 1st Lieutenant. Sonia took an active part in Post activities, volunteering to do her part, and much more. She was nominated and voted into the position of Sr. Vice Commander for the year 1999 – 2001 and was then elected to Commander for 2002 – 2004. Sonia had pushed and got her way and was the 1st to hold a memorial service for the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001. This memorial still continues today. Sonia was also a force behind our Poppy Drive. She participated every year with Allen in front of the Milford Diner. Sonia wouldn’t let anyone pass without giving something to help veterans. Sonia was an inspiration to many members of the post. For outstanding service to the VFW Sonia was awarded the VFW Merit Medal, a Meritorious Svc Plaque, A VFW Americanism Award, A VFW Citizenship award, and a Commander's Plaque. Sonia’s Military Decorations include the European, African Middle East Campaign Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal Mountain Laurel Post 8612 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Milford, Pennsylvania, 18337 EULOGY – SONIA S GATZKE (Life Member) 26 August 2016 We thank your Comrade Sonia Gatzke – for her service in the United States Army. We especially thank her for her dedication, loyalty, and outstanding service to Mountain Laurel Post 8612, and we commend her for a life well-lived. Sonia Gatzke will be missed by each and every member of our organization, and we extend to her husband Allan, Her Son in law Donald Board, Her Granddaughter Jessi Znosko, and her many friends our deepest sympathy for their loss. Sonia is predeceased by her daughter Gisele Board
