Photo by James Short.
"Words cannot describe adequately how grateful I am to everyone in the North Penn and surrounding communities"
Greetings,
My name is Sandy Nawrocki, mother of 1st Sgt Corey Nawrocki, retired Marine and soldier in Ukrainian Legion. Killed in Russia Oct 27, 2024.
I would like to begin by saying a much overdue THANK YOU!
Where to begin … Words cannot describe adequately how grateful I am to everyone in the North Penn and surrounding communities.
Back in October, I received word that my only child had been killed in Russia while fighting with Ukraine. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of emotions and activity. Visiting Ukraine for a memorial, a Celebration of Life here and the countless calls. There was doubt that Corey would be returned home. With ongoing negotiations, thankfully, my son was returned to Ukraine in January. The identification and repatriation process began with Corey coming home April 12, 2025.
As one last gift to my son on his journey home, I had a vision of how I thought it should be. If it were not for the selfless work of many behind the scenes, spending countless hours of their free time, it would never have happened. Not only did it happen but it way surpassed my vision!
As I stated before, words cannot adequately describe the gratitude I feel for what everyone has done and how the community came together. The list is long and distinguished. My wonderful family for being beside me and supporting me every step of the way. My friends for checking on me and making sure I had everything I needed and more. My newly acquired Marine family, for their assistance in setting up the celebration of life, starting a GoFundMe and helping me get through life in general. My work, for allowing me time off and understanding.
The list is not all-inclusive, and please forgive me if I forgot anyone: Chris L., Martin M., Andrew G., Kris G., John M., Nate S., George C., all the guys from Tows/Scouts, LAR and 8th and I.
Then our very own Ray Liberto, Kris Giuranna, Tom Koehler and Steve Malagari. Ray had worked tirelessly and on his own time arranging every detail for the welcome home.
Not to forget, each and every first responder who waited for hours to give my son a welcome home above and beyond my expectations, Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home for going beyond and keeping their doors open for us, and the Lansdale community in waiting to greet and pay respect to someone most of you have never met. My heart goes out to you and makes me proud to live in this community.
I would also like to thank North Penn Now for the heartfelt article and video they posted and allowing me to post this. Thank you.
By James Short Last, but not least, I would like to thank the RT Weatherman Foundation and Meaghan Mobbs for the tireless fight to bring my son into Philadelphia. If not for The Weatherman Foundation, the welcome home would not have happened.
Meaghan listened to a mother’s wish and helped make it a reality. They were also beyond helpful when I was in Ukraine to help me navigate DNA testing and paperwork that needed to be filed. Without the assistance of everyone at the Weatherman Foundation in Ukraine, Corey may still be there.
One final journey is scheduled, as Corey will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in July. It has been and remains a long hard journey, and I am grateful for all your ongoing love and support. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Forever grateful and with my deepest gratitude,
Sandy Nawrocki
Lansdale, PA
(This is a Letter to the Editor submitted to North Penn Now. The views expressed are the author's own.)
