Ukrainian American Veterans gather at 55th national convention (10/20/02)

Ukrainian American Veterans gather at 55th national convention

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - With a call for brotherhood and unity, Ukrainian American Veterans who served and fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, convened in Independence, Ohio, on September 12-15, to mark their 55th year of existence. Under the leadership of UAV Post 24 based in Parma, the four-day agenda was discharged efficiently and productively.

With military standards raised, the UAV began its 55th convention by registering delegates and guests on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Probably the most disappointing aspect of the assembly was the declining attendance of delegates from key states and cities on the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest. Only 41 delegates participated (a 20 percent decline from 2001).

During Friday's deliberations, delegates voiced their concerns and expectations about problems with veterans' benefits. Veterans especially focused on continuing efforts to get a national charter, and the ongoing of the UAV Registration Project that will document the contributions of Ukrainian Americans to America's military history. Another concern was the Veterans' History Project initiated by the United States Library of Congress and the American Folklife Center where UAV is an official sponsor.

After the general business was completed (minutes, review of credentials, reports by retiring officers, etc.), delegates were assigned to traditional designated committees: Auditing, Constitution and By-Laws, Research and Documentation, Future Convention Sites, Ways and Means, Membership, Welfare, Scholarship, Resolutions, Military Rites and Rituals, and the Nominations Committee.

A traditional hospitality night was held for delegates and guests, courtesy of the Convention Committee under the leadership of Mike Demchuk.

On Saturday morning, committee chairmen presented their reports, findings, and recommendations. Questions and topical discussions were encouraged. The Nominations Committee then presented a list of candidates for 2002-2003.

The following were named and unanimously elected to office: Commander Mathew Koziak, Post 27, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Vice-Commander Anna Krawczuk, Post 31, Freehold, N.J.; Finance Officer Wasyl Liscynesky, Post 24, Cleveland; Judge Advocate, Stephen M. Wichar Sr., Post 101, Warren, Mich.; Quartermaster, Stephen Kostecki, Post 30, Boston; Chaplain, Dorothy Budacki, Post 28, Akron, Ohio; Welfare Officer Myroslaw Pryjma, Post 101, Warren, Mich.; Scholarship Officer Nicholas Skirka, Post 301, Yonkers, N.Y.; Historian Wasyl Luchkiw, Post 19, Spring Valley, N.Y.; Webmaster Walter Demetro, Post 15, New Britain, Conn.; National Adjutant (non-elective), Peter Polny, Post 27, Brooklyn, N.Y..

Held concurrent with the UAV's deliberations, were the business sessions of National Ladies Auxiliary. The following were elected to the Auxiliary Executive Board: President Helen Drabak; Vice-President Natalie Chuma; Secretary Irene Pryjma; Treasurer Jean EInick; Chaplain Olga Wengryn; Judge Advocate Ann Bezkorowajny; Public Relations Officer Judith Malaniak; Welfare Officer, Alberta Cieply; Service Officer Kay Brega; and Historians Mmes. Cieply and Jean Elnick.

UAV sessions were interrupted by a Ladies Auxiliary Committee that presented the veterans with $500 for the Scholarship Fund and another $500 for the Welfare Fund.

Approximately 200 delegates and guests attended the 55th annual UAV Banquet at St. Josaphat Astrodome in Parma. The festivities for the evening began with welcoming remarks by Mayor Fred P. Ramos of Independence.

Andrew Fedynsky, a prominent activist in the Cleveland area and well-known columnist for The Ukrainian Weekly, was the master of ceremonies. He stated that, "the 55th observance is a fitting session for the veterans to pause and reflect on the causes of justice and liberty and to uphold the associated values."

He called on Eugene Sagacz, past national commanders to come to the podium as the Installation officer for the day. A presentation of colors was executed by a Marine Corps detail, and the American and Ukrainian anthems were sung by the audience. PNC Sagacz called on PNC Edward Zettig from Philadelphia to assist as the aide-de-camp, who then marched in the UAV and Ladies Auxiliary for installation.

Acceptance speeches were delivered by Commander-Elect Koziak and President-elect Drabak later in the program. Mr. Fedynsky called on Mr. Liscynesky, general convention chairman, to extend his personal welcome and greetings.

After acknowledging the symbolic Missing in Action (MIA), table, Mr. Fedynsky called on Bishop Robert M. Moskal of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Parma, to offer the invocation.

The famous Kashtan dance ensemble under the choreographic direction of Mr, Komichak, presented a breathtaking "greeting" dance for the audience.

The keynote speaker for the 55th Convention was Judge Bohdan Futey, (U.S. Court of Claims), who focused his remarks on military rights and the developmental process of the Constitution of Ukraine. Judge Futey spoke also about current problems in Ukraine, the lack of political discipline, problems in the Verkhovna Rada, military reforms, strengths and weaknesses of the Ukrainian Republic. Judge Futey's closing remarks said it best: "Nobody will help Ukrainians unless they help themselves."

The second speaker for the evening was Maj. Bohdan Pyskir, a 1983 graduate of West Point, who spoke philosophically about what defines a Ukrainian American. He addressed the historic influences and the subsequent forces that influenced Ukrainian Americans.

A female ensemble performed songs and bandura music charming the audience with favorite Ukrainian melodies. The ensemble is directed by Mark Komichak.

Although the hour was late, the Sound Trax Orchestra began the military ball with Ukrainian tunes. During the ball, a plaque of commendation was presented to Mr. Demchuk by the convention director, Mr. Liscynesky. Mr. Demchuk was not only acclaimed for his key role in the convention structure but also for his hosting of the event. Irene Demchuk, the force behind the man, also was applauded for her work on the convention journal.

The 56th UAV Convention will convene in Palatine, Ill., in 2003.

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