Paul Novakowski

By Diego Collado-Ramirez & Leandria Hercules

Edited by Elizabeth Dockett

Paul Novakowski, 71, is a resident of The Gino J. Merli Veteran Center in Scranton.  A native of Woodbury, Novakowski joined the Air Force in 1970, where he served as a Sergeant specializing in heating and insulation for buildings. He was deployed to New York where he stayed for four years finishing in 1974. Novakowski credits his time in the military for instilling important life lessons, including the value of preparedness. Novakowski’s job was consistent, 24/7, always on call and ready-to-go.  His experience in the military holds great significance to him, as it has helped shape his values and beliefs as evidenced by his approach to learning. 

 "I can't read and learn; I have to do it. I can't do A or B, I have to learn by doing. Through trial and error, that's how I learn,” Novakowski said.

Novakowski's approach emphasizes the importance of perseverance, as he believes that it's okay to make mistakes as long as one can learn from them and keep moving forward.

Novakowski viewed serving his country as the pinnacle of his career.  

"The most rewarding aspect of serving in the Air Force was that I had the opportunity to serve my country," 

Novakowski's life extends beyond his time in the Air Force. While his military service was a significant chapter, he takes pride in his family.  

Throughout his deployment, Novakowski remained faithful to his wife, who happens to be his high school sweetheart. He constantly considered her and her needs to the point where he left the Air Force one month earlier than scheduled to be there for their family. Novakowski has three sons with his wife and has a special place in his heart for them.  

Some other things Novakowski enjoys are cars, fishing and sports.  A tip about fishing is to use shrimp for catfish and that the smellier the fish, the better.  

Novakowski is a man of many things.  He’s a veteran who spent four years of his life in the Air Force providing heating and insulation for buildings, he’s a man of hobbies and lastly he’s a family man.  

Novakowski takes great pride in his family, acknowledging their diverse career paths that differ from his own service in the Air Force.   

“I served my country. Now, none of my sons served their country. One went to college, one to cooking, and the other works in nuclear. He learned the nuclear all by himself. I give him the credit,” Novakowski said.

 Novakowski values hard work, practical skills, and has instilled these values into his children. 

As a family man, Novakowski cherishes his loved ones and the memories he has shared with them. While his military service was significant, his enduring devotion to his spouse and his role as a parent hold a special place in his heart. 

Novakowski cherishes many moments in his life, from serving our country to spending time with his family. Novakowski’s words of wisdom are "Be prepared and do your best. Do your best."