WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the President signed into law Congressman Dave Joyce’s (OH-14) bill to rename the U.S. Post Office in Grand River, Ohio after the late Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki. Joyce introduced this legislation to honor the local Northeast Ohio hero in June of last year. Known as Andy or Ace to those in the Grand River community, Lance Corporal Nowacki was killed in action on February 26, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 24 years old.

“I thank the President for signing this bill into law and helping me preserve the legacy of a true American patriot,” said Joyce. “Andy’s sacrifice in defense of our nation is something we should never forget, as is his dedication to the Grand River community and his desire to help others. I was honored to introduce this bill and know that by renaming the Grand River post office after Andy, we are ensuring he will always be remembered by the community he cared so deeply for and contributed so much to.”

“Our family is extremely thankful that Andy’s service and sacrifice has not been forgotten,” said Sheila Nowacki, Andy’s mother. “Andy was proud to serve his country as a United States Marine and the Village of Grand River as a peace officer. To have his memory in both roles commemorated by having the Grand River Post Office bear his name is an honor that we are grateful for.”

“It was an absolute privilege and honor to know Andy Nowacki and to call him my friend,” said Grand River Mayor Christopher Conley. “As a Marine myself, he is my brother, and I am sure he would be humbled by this and all the work his Mother and Father do in his honor.”

Andy joined the Marine Corps Reserve shortly after graduating from Brush High School in 1998. He later attended the Cleveland Heights Police Academy, joining the Grand River Police Department in 2001 where he was a dedicated member of the Ready Response Team, the Honor Guard and the Bike Patrol. Despite the fact that Andy’s first enlistment was almost over when his unit was recalled for a second tour in Iraq, he reupped without hesitation. Andy was killed during his second tour while protecting a truck convoy south of Baghdad. Following his death, Andy’s family and friends created the Andy Nowacki Foundation, which provides scholarships for those seeking to serve in the fields of public safety or nursing. To this day, the foundation continues to honor Andy’s commitment to community, dedication to service and desire to help others by aiding those who wish to do the same.

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