For 21 years, we have sadly been a gold star family, yet we find solace in keeping Andy's memory alive, ensuring he continues to inspire many.
After graduating from Brush High School in Lyndhurst in 1998, Andy enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve the following fall. His commitment to community service was evident in his role as a police officer in Grand River, where he was often described by colleagues as the "ideal police officer."
In honor of Marine Lance Corporal Andrew W. Nowacki, affectionately known as "Ace," who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb on February 26, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom while safeguarding a convoy, family and friends established The Andy Nowacki Foundation.
The Foundation's mission is to offer meaningful scholarships to individuals pursuing careers as peace officers, firefighters, EMTs, or nurses, with recipients selected based on their community involvement, dedication to service, and strong moral character.
So far, we've given out almost 100 scholarships, and through these amazing recipients and Andy's Marine brothers, our family has grown, keeping his legacy alive. We strive to embrace each day with the spirit of Ace's quote, "Smile, there is nothing to be unhappy about".
