Windsor, Ontario
Mr. Martinak served with the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Korea from 1950 to 1953. As a Veteran of the Battle of Kapyong, Mr. Martinak's Battalion was presented with the United States Presidential Citation for their heroism. He is one of the principals who worked on the project of a monument that would recognize the contributions of Canadians to the Republic of Korea during the Korean War and was instrumental in raising the funds for its establishment. His efforts and those of his associates culminated in the creation of the Monument to the Canadian Fallen permanently located in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea. Through his determination and enormous efforts, Mr. Martinak successfully helped complete one of the most significant commemorative projects in Canada in recent years, thereby ensuring that the memory of the sacrifice of those Canadian War Veterans who gave their lives in Korea will never be forgotten. Mr. Martinak has made a substantial contribution to Veterans' organizations. An active member of Windsor's Branch 594 of The Royal Canadian Legion, Mr. Martinak is also active in the Korea War Veteran Association, the PPCLI Regimental Association and currently serves as Vice-President of the War Pensioners of Canada. Within these organizations, Mr. Martinak has successfully raised funds for Veterans' projects and charitable projects whose list of beneficiaries includes the Parkwood Hospital in London. Mr. Martinak's faithful service and outstanding contribution to the Veteran community has earned him the respect of his fellow Veterans and citizens alike.