Ukrainian American Veterans hold golden anniversary convention (11/16/97)

Ukrainian American Veterans hold golden anniversary convention

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian American Veterans - an organization that unites soldiers who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm - was marked at the Ukrainian National Association's Soyuzivka resort on September 26-28.

The golden anniversary convention proved to be a milestone in UAV history, as the convention committee, under the leadership of Steven Szewczuk, used all resources to make this veteran's gathering memorable and exciting. More than 60 delegates, representing 500 veterans across America, assembled for deliberations. They came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.

In addition, the Ukrainian American Military Association, a unit composed of officers and non-commissioned officers on active duty, met at Soyuzivka for the first time as an affiliate of the UAV.

Michigan led the delegates' roster with 11 representatives. In addition to assigned delegates from UAV Post 101, the Michigan State Department, with Stephen Wichar as commander, sponsored and organized a chartered bus for the convention. As a result, Michigan made up one-third of the Soyuzivka population that weekend. Incorporated into this contingent was the Zoloti Dzvony song ensemble.

On Friday morning after registration, UAV officials raised their military standards and National Commander Dmytro Bodnarczuk called the convention to order. Although most of the morning session was devoted to reports by retiring officers, delegates also voiced their concerns about veteran problems, encouraged a greater commitment to serving the American veteran-oriented programs, building a greater scholarship program, revitalizing the national charter, etc. How to foster growth in membership became a key issue after veterans admitted a shrinking and serious decline in membership.

After routine matters (minutes, credentials, reports, etc.) were completed, delegates were assigned to the following committees: Adopt a Hospital Program, Auditing, Constitution and By-Laws, Credentials, Finance and Budget, Future Conventions, Membership, Nominations, Publicity/Public Relations, Raffle, Research and Documentation, Resolutions, Rituals/Service, Scholarship Fund, Ways and Means/New Product Development, and Welfare.

Commander Bodnarczuk then suspended the afternoon assembly so that committees could meet in conference and prepare reports for the following business day.

On Friday evening a traditional hospitality night was held for all delegates and guests. After an extravagant steak dinner, the remainder of the evening was in the capable hands of the versatile Zoloti Dzvony ensemble from Warren, Mich., with Olga Dubrivny-Solovey conducting. Attired in Ukrainian costumes, the 16 singers dazzled the audience with their electrifying renditions of Ukrainian folk songs, in addition to American and Ukrainian military favorites.

Afterwards the audience was invited to continue an "evening glow" at the Halych building, compliments of the singing ensemble. The evening belonged to the Zoloti Dzvony.

On Saturday morning the committee chairmen began presenting their findings and recommendations. Midway through the morning meeting, the Ukrainian American Military Association presented a slate of speakers in a seminar-like session. Beginning with Lt. Col. Yaromyr Oryshkevych, president, the speakers effectively described their roles in the UAMA. All the speakers emphasized their unity of purpose in apprising the military that Ukrainians have capable and competent personnel who are both fluent and knowledgeable in translation and interpretation of Ukrainian matters.

The Nominations Committee presented a list of candidates for the 1997-1999 term of office. The following were named and elected: National Commander Mr. Szewczuk (King's Park, N.Y.); Vice-Commander Mathew Koziak (Highland Park, N.J.); Finance Officer Wasyl Liscynesky (Parma, Ohio); Judge Advocate Miroslaus Malaniak (Buffalo, N.Y.); Publications and Public Relations Officer Mr. Wichar (Clinton Township, Mich.); Welfare Officer Bohdan Samokyszyn (Parma, Ohio); Quartermaster Roman Didycky (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.); Chaplain Myroslaw Pryjma (Warren, Mich.); Historian Vasyl Luchkiw (New City, N.Y.); Scholarship Officer Michael Demchuk (Seven Hills, Ohio); Immediate National Commander Dmytro Bodnarczuk (Albuquerque, N.M.)

Concurrently with the UAV conference, the National Ladies Auxiliary conducted its own business sessions. Their nominating committee named and elected the following to the Ladies Auxiliary executive board: President Irene Pryjma (Warren, Mich.); Senior Vice-President Ann Bezkorowajny (Monroe, N.Y.); Junior Vice-President Olga Wengryn (Passaic, N.J.); Secretary Alberta Cieply (Warren, Mich.); Treasurer Amelia Berezowsky (Philadelphia); Judge Advocate Olga Pope (St. Charles, Mo.); Chaplain Pauline Pender (Farmington, Conn.); Historian Jeanne Elnick (Warren, Mich.); Service Officer Kay Brega (Spring Valley, N.Y.); Welfare Officer Natalie Chuma (New York) and Liaison Officer Helen Drabyk (West Palm Beach, Fla.).

The golden anniversary banquet was a sellout, and all of Soyuzivka participated. The presentation of colors was executed by a detail of soldiers from Headquarters Service Battery of the 1st Battalion, 156th Field Artillery, New York Army National Guard, under the command of 1st Sgt. Joseph C. Patti. After posting the colors, the Zoloti Dzvony ensemble sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Sche Ne Vmerla Ukraina." An armed gun detail saluted the ceremonies with a volley of fire from six cannons stationed alongside the banquet hall. Taps were sounded.

Harold Bochonko, one of the UAV's most distinguished officers and vice-chairman of the convention committee, opened the ceremonies with statements of welcome and then introduced the master of ceremonies Mr. Wichar.

Mr. Wichar welcomed the delegates, members of the dais and guests. He said, "Today's 50th observance was a fitting occasion upon which to reflect the precepts which veterans embraced and upheld justice, liberty, democracy and the promotion of peace among free nations."

The MC called on Past National Commander (PNC) Eugene Sagasz to act as officer of the day, who in turn called on PNC Roman Rakowsky to be his aide-de-camp. This detail discharged the installation rituals for newly elected officers. The outgoing UAV commander, Mr. Bodnarczuk, was called to put a closure on the installation services. Mr. Szewczuk, commander-elect, and Ms. Pryjma, auxiliary president-elect, were called to make acceptance statements.

The Ukrainian diplomatic corps was represented by military advisers to Ukraine's Mission to the United Nations, Col. Vasyl Sydorenko and Maj. Vadym Yakhno. Both were invited to address the audience.

After the Rev. Oleksa Chouter was called to deliver an invocational. Vincent Dunn, chairman of the Economic Development and Promotion Committee in the Ulster County Legislature, was called to the podium to present a proclamation. Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.) delivered a resounding speech about veterans, their rights and their important role in the American Ukrainian community.

During other introductions and acknowledgments, Mr. Wichar called on PNC Polche and Ms. Chuma to the main table for the presentation of a plaque honoring the late Ladies Auxiliary President Rosalie Polche. Ms. Pryjma, the newly elected Ladies Auxiliary president, made the presentation.

An announcement was made recognizing Walter Berezowsky, Walter Senyshyn and Ted Zeniuk of Post 4, Joseph Lesawyer of Post 7 and Jules Zaharchuk of Post 2. All four gentlemen were present at the first UAV banquet held in Philadelphia 50 years ago.

Lt. Col. Oryshkevych, outgoing president of the Ukrainian American Military Association, was invited to speak on behalf of his organization. He thanked the UAV 50th anniversary convention for officially adopting the UAMA as a member-affiliate of the UAV.

Maj. Golash, the president-elect of the UAMA, underlined that the new merger "could only bring positive and productive results in common future endeavors."

The last speaker was UAV Scholarship Officer Demchuk, who announced the names of scholarship winners for 1997.

Mr. Wichar expressed his thanks to all participants and to Soyuzivka Manager John A. Flis for his extraordinary hospitality, and adjourned the banquet proceedings. He also invited the guests to stay for the Commanders Ball. Dance music was provided by the popular Lviviany orchestra from Ukraine.

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