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<p><em>Edward “Ed” Szvetecz</em> was born in 1935 in Bethlehem, PA to Charles and Mary Szvetecz, who had recently immigrated from Hungary. He attended Liberty High School, where he not only excelled in academics but was also a standout high school football player, also lettering in wrestling and basketball. He successfully competed and obtained a congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy and entered West Point in July 1953. After “Beast Barracks,” he was assigned to Company C, 1st Regiment. Driven and affable, he was well remembered by his company and teammates, most specifically for rounding up the faithful to attend early morning Mass during Lent each year. Ed stayed active at West Point, attending most social events and as a member of several clubs: the Football Club, Newman Club, Skeet Club, French Club, and Photography Club. He also played varsity football. His First Class year he was voted captain of the 1956 Football Team and was selected as company commander of C-1. Though he had a lot to brag about, Ed was a humble leader who always placed the welfare of his classmates first. </p>
<p>He graduated on June 4, 1957 and volunteered for the U.S. Army Infantry, where he would serve the next 29 years. His first assignment was to the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment from 1957 to 1960, then to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment in Germany from 1964 to 1966. The unit then relocated to Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. After his second tour in Vietnam as a military advisor, he was selected to attend Tulane University and earned his MBA in business science in 1970. He completed Command and General Staff College in 1971 and was assigned to Headquarters, Mobile Army Sensor Systems Test Evaluation and Review (MASSTER) from 1971 to 1972, followed by command of the 2-41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division. Next, in 1974 to 1977, came a staff tour in the Office of Secretary of the Army, where he was selected to attend the Army War College in 1977. He took command of 1-3rd Brigade in the First Cavalry Division in 1978 then moved to Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command Combined Arms Test Activity (TCATA) until 1981. From Fort Hood, TX, the Szveteczs moved to Berlin, Germany, where Ed served as chief of staff of the U.S. Military Command in Berlin from 1981 to 1984. His final tour was as the commander of the U.S. Army Advanced Infantry Training Command at Fort Benning, GA from 1984 to 1986. He retired in 1986. </p>
<p>The numerous decorations Colonel Szvetecz was awarded during his 29 years of service include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, and Commendation Medal.</p>
<p>Next came a second career as a contractor to BDM Corporation and Ford Aerospace as an operations field director from 1986 to 1997. After retiring from Ford Aerospace and after 28 household moves, the family settled in the beautiful mountain area of Highlands, NC. </p>
<p>Ed married the love of his life, Pamela Virginia Wiggins, on September 12, 1959, at Fort McPherson, GA and is survived by his sons, Edward C. Szvetecz and Thomas S. Szvetecz. He is remembered as an exemplary soldier, loving husband, and devoted father.</p>
<p>Ed had a lifelong passion for the Army and West Point. The highlight of his later years was the annual pilgrimage to West Point every July for golf outings with his old Army classmates and football teammates. He was especially grateful to attend his 60th reunion. The special lifelong friendships of classmates and teammates can only be appreciated by Academy graduates and envied by all others. </p>
<p>Those of us who were fortunate to know Edward Szvetecz well will long remember him as a big, humble, friendly cadet and outstanding leader and commander whose name we could never remember how to spell. </p>
<p><em>And when our work is done,</em><br /><em>Our course on earth is run,</em><br /><em>May it be said, “Well Done</em><br /><em>Be Thou At Peace!”</em></p>
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