The Thomas F. Zvonik Brotherhood Award
This award is presented to the active member of company Q-8 who has most consistently demonstrated the fraternal bonds of the society, and has selflessly devoted their tenure to the members of their fraternity.
The award has been bestowed upon the following brothers:
2004 - P/R 1LT David Lombardo
2005 - P/R 1LT Jennifer Marie Brown
2006 - P/R CPL Gary Morea (Major, USA, Q-8 Advisor)
2007 - P/R CPL Devon Martinez
2008 - P/R MAJ Kaitlin Peterson
2009 - P/R PV2 Josua May & P/R PV2 Zeki Ozyilmaz
2010 - P/R 1LT Joshua Hlavka
2011 - 1SG Katie Jacques
Tom Zvonic (1980), or TZ as we all knew him, was the epitome of a brother. TZ was the ROTC advisor to Q-8 who pledged as a Sergeant First Class on Active Duty to demonstrate his commitment to the brotherhood. TZ did several tours of duty in Vietnam. He never spoke of his duty there and never wore any of the awards he was entitled to. This experienced Non Commissioned Officer joined our ranks because of his affection for the members and his belief in the society’s ideals. TZ opened his heart, his home and his family to us. Many a brother with nowhere else to turn spent a night or holiday with TZ and his wife Cyd and their children. The invitation was always open, you never had to ask, and you just had to show up anytime day or night. No questions were asked, no lectures given. You only had to be in need and you were accepted in as family. TZ went above and beyond his role as advisor, and insured that PRs were always taken care of at ROTC. After his tour at Hofstra, TZ continued to be a focal point of the fraternity by being “Q-8 Forward” in Nuremberg Germany and hosting European based brothers, or visitors. TZ retired a Master Sergeant at Fort Riley Kansas, and passed away suddenly in 2001. He truly was our teacher, our brother, and our friend.
