Military Library Opens in Holly, Named for Departed Veteran and Volunteer
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 24, 2018)
Holly, MI- Scott Dudek spent his years after serving with the Navy in the Persian Gulf War working to support veterans and their families. He promoted the American Legion Post 149, taught high school history, worked at the VA Hospital in Detroit, and helped create the Holly Area Veterans Resource Center.  On his ambitious to-do list was to create a military library where veterans and the public could learn more about the history of wars and have resources that they need.
He died before he could make that happen, leaving this world on February 7, 2017 at the age of 45.
That’s why when the Holly Area Veterans Resource Center opened what is believed to be the state’s first Military Library, they named it after their dearly departed friend.
The Scott D. Dudek Memorial Library had its grand opening on Sept. 19 with members of Dudek’s family and community on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
The library is located inside the Karl Richter Community Center at 300 East St, Holly, MI 48442.  The library grew out of the collection of books and mementos donated by the Dudek family after Scott’s passing.  It now includes a room full of books sorted by the war or subject, as well as an array of other items such as DVDs, medals, hats, recruitment posters, art, and flags. There are also models created by local artists showing battle scenes.  The compilation of donated books are showcased on shelves that were hand made and stained by volunteer Ray Fenning.
“Lots of times we meet people who have these special items, and they don’t know what to do with them,” said Resource Center President Joe Mishler. “Now they can go to this place where other people can benefit.”
Mishler said the library welcomes donations of books, DVDs and other items that are in good condition. The next goal of the library is to become a research library for those interested in military history. They even have an official librarian – volunteer Karen Heeley who heard about the project and stepped forward.
Dudek’s mother Dolores Marosan was proud to see her son honored by the community.  “Scott loved Holly.  Whenever I’d come visit, anywhere we’d go people would say ‘Hi Mr. Dudek!”
She said her son was passionate about service, promoting veteran’s issues as well as teaching catechism at St. Rita’s Church. “He was Vice Commander of the Holly American Legion and his whole thing was trying to get other young guys involved,” Marosan said. “Young people come back from serving and they don’t have a lot of information.  The older generations of vets support each other, and Scot wanted that for everyone. So he was always talking about the Legion and trying to get people active.”
Dudek’s daughter Sabrina held the giant Holly Area Chamber of Commerce scissors and cut the long red ribbon while volunteers from the Resource Center, local officials, members of the Chamber and other family members stood around her in support.
Learn more about the Holly Area Veterans Resource Center and the Scott Dudek Memorial Library at https://www.facebook.com/HAVRCKRC/