Saluting Service: JCP&L Employee’s Dedication Brings Historic Recognition to WWII Rangers

HOLMDEL, N.J. — A powerful chapter in American history received long-overdue recognition thanks in part to the dedication of Bill Kwasnicki, a Customer Account Specialist at Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy company. Kwasnicki played a key role in securing the Congressional Gold Medal for members of the elite World War II Ranger battalions — some of the most heroic soldiers of the Greatest Generation. 
 
The medal was awarded during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on June 26, marking the culmination of a decade-long campaign led by the Descendants of World War II Rangers, where Kwasnicki serves as a board member. The organization is the official network of WWII Rangers and their families. 
 
“It was a long journey — ten years of advocacy, setbacks and persistence,” said Kwasnicki. “We rallied support through emails, phone calls, letters and social media. Seeing these heroes honored was deeply emotional.” 
 
Kwasnicki also served on the committee that helped design the medal. He attended the ceremony with his family, including his wife Katherine, a Customer Services Representative at JCP&L, to honor his grandfather, William Henry Kwasnicki, a decorated WWII Ranger who was wounded three times, including during the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach. He received the Purple Heart and a Silver Star for gallantry in action.  
 
“I never met my grandfather, but I’m proud to carry his name,” said Kwasnicki. “If I live my life to be half the man he was, I’ve done good.” 
 
Among the honorees was John Wardell, a JCP&L customer and Pt. Pleasant Beach native, one of two surviving WWII Rangers who attended the ceremony. Three others joined via livestream. 
 
Kwasnicki’s advocacy reflects FirstEnergy’s broader commitment to honoring and supporting veterans. He is an active member of the Veterans & Allies Employee Business Resource Group, which connects more than 950 past and present service members across FirstEnergy’s workforce. The group supports veterans both within the company and in the communities served by FirstEnergy’s electric companies. 
 
“Bill’s leadership exemplifies the values we stand for at FirstEnergy — service, integrity, and community,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy President, New Jersey. “We’re proud to support employees who champion causes that honor our nation’s heroes.” 
 
Learn more about FirstEnergy’s commitment to veterans and military service at: 
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/careers/military.html.