Restoration project complete on Monessen tank memorial

Organizer Ron Chromulak offered his thanks to everyone who donated.

Spots of rust and signs of decay are long gone. The M4A3 Sherman tank in Monessen City Park looks ready for battle again.

After Ron Chromulak launched a fundraising effort — which came to an end earlier this month when it surpassed its $16,510 goal — to refurbish the World War II and Korean War-era tank four months ago, the memorial was restored to its original appearance last week.

Regal Industrial Company, which is based in Donora, completed the tank’s refurbishment in less than two weeks. Several layers of paint were removed and new coats were applied to the tank, as its grayish hue was transformed back to its original olive drab.

Chromulak, commander of American Legion Post 28 and chairman of the Monessen War Veterans Memorial Trust, beamed from ear to ear Tuesday afternoon as he discussed the tank memorial in City Park.

“I’m happy that it’s done,” he said. “This is historic. It’s commemorative. It honors people. What more do you need to say, you know?”

Chromulak served 21 years in the Air Force, and he views the memorial as a tribute to those who serve and have served.

“It’s respect for my brothers and sisters in arms. Past, present and future,” he said.

While Chromulak spearheaded the fundraising campaign, he emphasized the collaborative effort required to make the tank’s restoration possible.

“People do their part, and all the parts come together like a puzzle to make things work,” he said. “People think I did this, and I didn’t do this. The people that donated did this. It’s not a oneman show.”

Not only did Chromulak receive donations from local residents, they also came in from across the state, New Jersey and Arizona.

“It’s very heartening and humbling,” he said.

The 28th Infantry Division’s insignia, a red keystone, was added to the tank as a “thank you” to those who served in the National Guard.

“A lot of people back then said those National Guard reserves, they’re like weekend warriors. They don’t do anything,” Chromulak said. “These guys went to war. They got killed. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice, and it’s important to remember stuff like that.”

Chromulak is looking into the cost of a spotlight for the memorial.

He called upon the City of Monessen to spruce up the area around the tank. In an email to city officials, he asked the city to repair the wall around the tank, the concrete area it rests on, repaint the posts that hold the chain around it and a couple dead trees near it.

The city intends to do just that. Mayor Ron Mozer, who was impressed with the tank’s appearance, said the city’s public works department will have those tasks completed before Veterans Day, which is when Chromulak plans to hold a rededication ceremony.

“I’m anxious to see what this looks like once it’s cleaned up,” Chromulak said.