Michigan veterans to host 2000 convention of UAV (06/04/00)

Michigan veterans to host 2000 convention of UAV

by Stephen M. Wichar

WARREN, Mich. - Under the of Michigan's Ukrainian American Veterans Posts 36 and 101 based here, the next annual UAV convention will rally its national membership for a maximum turnout on September 29-October 1. UAV officials are also poised to launch a stepped-up campaign to obtain a federal national charter. For many years, this has been an elusive and difficult target.

On November 18, 1999, Minority Whip Rep. David E. Bonior (D-Mich.) introduced a bill, HR 3463, amending Title C of the U.S. Code, granting the UAV a federal charter. Mr. Bonior cited Ukrainian ancestry as a primary reason for becoming the chief sponsor of this bill. He is also a long-time member of Post 101 and believes in the project. Rep. Sander Levin, (D-Mich.), from the 12th Congressional District, which includes Warren, where Post 101 is based, became an immediate ally to this bill. Fifteen additional members of Congress have joined the UAV "Federal Charter Team."

Although the Ukrainian American Veterans meet all the requirements as a national organization and are recognized by other military entities, the acquisition of a charter would enable the UAV to broaden its charitable and military activities across America and abroad. In addition, the UAV would improve access to the Department of Veterans Administration and to information about various services and benefits for veterans.

The pursuit of a charter will be both challenging and laborious, and the UAV needs help. Rep. Bonior affirmed that "the most influential person in a Congressional District is the constituent." A simple letter asking for help on a legitimate issue will be read and answered. Another 200 members of Congress need to be enlisted for support before HR 3463 can become reality. Thus, the UAV is very much aware that it cannot obtain the charter without the help of the Ukrainian community. Ukrainians can effectively lobby their legislators by calling or writing and asking for their support of HR 3463.

Due to the urgency and complexity of federal chartering, the UAV's focus will be on mustering influential political and civic allies as soon as possible.

In connection with this project, it is equally important to promote a continuity and organizational growth among Ukrainian veterans. For 52 years, Ukrainians in America have carried the banner of military service via annual conventions. The year 2000 will mark the 53rd anniversary of this organization. This event will be historically significant also as the first convention in the 21st century and the new millennium.

Hosts of the 53rd anniversary will be Michigan Posts 36 and 101. Veterans from 22 other UAV posts in America will send their delegates to Warren, for convention deliberations. The convention committee will serve under the command of Senior Vice-Commander Oleh Karanec of Post 101. Other members of the committee include Oleh Cieply, vice-chairman and also Post 101 Commander; Victoria Maksimowich, secretary; Mike Ogrodnik, financial officer; Stephen M. Wichar Sr., Michigan state commander and public relations/publicity officer; Roman Maximowich and Roman Petraszczuk, convention journal publication; Myroslaw Pryjma, Stefan Fedenko and Myron Skorupa, banquet; Michael Shumylo, reservations/registration; Nikola Lapajenko, military affairs; and Irene Pryjma; ladies auxiliary.

The highlight of this weekend will be a gala military banquet and ball. In an innovative arrangement, the speakers will present a double keynote address on a "Medical Mission to Ukraine." This will be delivered by Col. Askhold Mosijczuk, M.D., Medical Corps, U.S.A. Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington; and Maj. Roman G. Golash, USAR, 801st Combat Support Hospital, Sheridan Reserve Center. Both speakers are members of the Ukrainian American Military Association (UAMA), which is affiliated as a support organization to the Ukrainian American Veterans.

The Zoloti Dzvony (Golden Bells) song ensemble under the baton of Olga Dubrivny-Solovey, will host the Friday hospitality night and render the national anthems at the convention banquet. The installation of national officers for 2000-2001 will include special ceremonies, preceded by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. The banquet hall will be bedecked with a circle of regulation state flags, and the military ball will feature the popular Country Club Orchestra of Silven Koltyk.

The Ukrainian American Veterans will also honor Ukrainians who served - many of them paying the supreme sacrifice - in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.

| Home Page |