The Reservist Club of the Warka State Defense League

Warka reserve officers first gathered on November 29, 1973. Their goal was to “sustain and enhance reservists’ combat readiness” through theory and practice-based training.

The list of the first Board members included:

Chairman Capt. (res.) Dariusz Kossakowski,
Deputy Chairman 2Lt. (res.) Andrzej Węgiełek,
Secretary Lt. (res.) Kazimierz Sieradzan,
Treasurer 2Lt. (res.) Andrzej Czarnecki,
Member Lt. (res.) Krystyna Falińska,
Member 2Lt. (res.) Władysław Gwardys,
Member 2Lt. (res.) Henryk Zalewski.

Theoretical classes took place in the Artisan House or the firehouse of the volunteer Fire Department, and practical classes were organized on the State Defense League shooting range in Warka-Winiary.

The year 1974 marked great changes. The Military Base in Góra Kalwaria started overseeing the Reservist Club in Warka, a shooting range opened next to the sports stadium, and an NCO subsection was created. The first training sessions involved shooting practice using various kinds of weapons, including grenades, and they enjoyed great interest.

In 1978, a sports shooting range opened ceremonially. Nine generals, town authorities, and numerous guests attended the festivities. Later, a pavilion and an indoor shooting range of the Reservist Club were added to the building.

The Club had 7 sections:

• Shooting Section,
• Water Sports Section (incl. “Korek” Kayaking Club),
• Young Adults’ Section,
• Communications Section,
• Family Section,
• Pair Bridge Section,
• Administrative Section.

Various types of events were organized, during some of which funds were collected to purchase equipment or support initiatives in the Town.

Club members worked tirelessly to support the local community: they preserved the graves of Polish People’s Army soldiers who had died in the Warka-Magnuszew bridgehead battles, started an initiative to unveil a “1939–September–1989” obelisk at Polna Street, and the “Gen. Bem’s Cannon” monument, which was placed near the shooting range.

The reservists represented Warka in numerous shooting, defense, and communications competitions and together, they went on sightseeing, historical, and kayaking trips. Every year, the Club held “November Night” celebrations, inviting the local community and representatives of military academies across the country. On the 150^th anniversary of the November Uprising, the Club received a banner.

In 2003, the Reservist Club was restructured, with three sections remaining:

• Administrative Section,
• Shooting Section,
• Family Section.