ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois –
A World War II Navy veteran experienced a birthday celebration his family will never forget.
Roald Leland Zvonik, who served during World War II in the Pacific theater as a Seaman 1st Class, Rock Island Sailors with members of the Quad Cities community distinguished Roald
community during a surprise celebration inside the Reserve Center.
Sailors and Marines served as the ceremonial Side Boys and Color Guard as part of the celebration on May 13, 2025. Navy Reserve Center Rock Island (NRC) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Heil spoke on Zvonik’s courage during his time in the Navy.
“It is a profound honor to stand before you today to celebrate not only a birthday, but a legacy - one that spans nearly a century, that of Mr. Roald “Mr. Z” Zvonik, a son of the Greatest
Generation, who turns 99 years young today,” he said. “He was assigned to the USS LST-722, a humble vessel with a mighty mission. These Landing Ship Tanks were not designed to draw
attention, but to deliver supplies, troops, and resolve onto the shores of war. Mr. Z served as a 20mm anti-aircraft gunner, standing watch aboard a ship that would take part in the Philippine Campaign, including two landings and one invasion. In the heat, chaos, and fear of war, he stood his post with quiet fortitude.”
United States Representative Eric Sorensen, Democrat of Illinois, sent a personalized birthday video, while the Garrison Commander of Rock Island Arsenal, Colonel William J. Parker III, and his Command Sergeant Major Michael J. Asuncion, attended.
Guests learned that after the war, Zvonik returned to the United States, worked and retired from federal service at the Rock Island Arsenal. Later in retirement, he worked with the crew that
brought USS LST-325 back to the United States from Greece in 2001. Coincidentally, USS LST- 325 will visit Muscatine, Iowa in September, 2025.
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Senior Chief Petty Officer Salimah Muhammad stated that it was an honor to celebrate Zvonik and expressed pride in the Reserve Center staff in putting the ceremony together.
“I would like to thank Lieutenant Commander Heil, Yeoman Petty Officer First Class Dylan Jacobs, Barb Zvonik-Siefker, Karen Zvonik-Petersen, Lisa Olson, Michelle Chavez, and the
NRC Rock Island staff for organizing a memorable birthday celebration for Mr. Roald Zvonik.
We were grateful to be able to share this moment with his family and friends and will cherish the countless memories. I would also like to thank Eric Sorensen, Hillary Laskonis, Carma Chavez, Colonel Parker, and Command Sergeant Major Asuncion for joining us today! I think all of us here relished the chance to meet Mr. Z and hear the stories of one of the last remaining combat veterans of World War II.”