Ukrainian American Veterans meet at 56th national convention (10/26/03)

Ukrainian American Veterans meet at 56th national convention

PALATINE, Ill. - With veterans representing eight states and 14 posts, the 56th national convention of the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) officially got under way in Palatine, Ill., on September 26. At the same time, members of The Ladies Auxiliary conducted their 29th national convention and the Ukrainian American Military Association held its 8th Annual Conference.

Delegates gathered here to elect a new national executive board, discuss current projects, set new agendas for the coming year and enjoy the fraternity of fellow veterans. Post 35 of Palatine hosted this year's convention, with Bohdan Pyskir serving as convention chairman.

The newly elected members of the UAV national executive board are: National Commander Mathew Koziak, Vice-Commander Anna Krawczuk, Finance Officer Wasyl Liscynesky, Judge Advocate Stephen Wichar, Adjutant and Webmaster Walter Demetro, Quartermaster Stephen Kostecki, Historian Vasyl Luchkiw, Chaplain Dorothy Budacki, Welfare Officer Myroslaw Pryjma, Scholarship Officer Nicholas Skirka and Public Relations Officer Michael Wowk. The past national commander is Steven Shewczuk.

The Ladies Auxiliary elected the following officers: Helen Drabyk, president; Oksana Koziak, vice-president; Irene Pryjma, secretary; Jean Elnick, treasurer; Halina Mutlos, Chaplain; Rena Sagasz, judge advocate; Alberta Cieply, welfare officer; Stephanie Lopuszanski, liaison officer; Victoria Maksimowich, e-mailer; and Alberta Cieply and Jean Elnick, historians.

Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins welcomed the delegates during the opening session. Executive board members, post commanders, and state commanders presented reports of their activities for the past year.

National Commander Koziak's report included the newest information regarding the introduction of the bill H.R. 1615, title: "To amend Title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal Charter to the Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc." U.S. Rep. Sander M. Levin of Michigan introduced the bill on April 3, during the 108th Congress. Commander Koziak appealed to the UAV membership to write or personally contact their U.S. representatives to become co-sponsors of the bill.

National Vice-Commander Krawczuk reported on membership issues and the UAV Registration Projects. The UAV 56th Convention approved publication of a booklet containing the names of all registrants at hand by Memorial Day 2004, to coincide with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington. The convention also mandated recruitment of membership-at-large by adding this responsibility to the duties of the national vice-commander in the UAV Constitution and By-Laws.

After the presentation of reports, delegates formed committees to work on current issues. On Saturday, September 27, the committee reports were presented and acted upon. On this day veterans also heard a presentation by Sgt. Maj. Dan Zahody about the Ukrainian American Military Association.

Orest Baranyk, president of the Chicago Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, personally extended greetings to the gathering. Other greetings were sent by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Peter G. Fitzgerald.

After official business was completed, veterans and guests enjoyed a banquet on Saturday night. The evening's program opened with the posting of colors by members of Posts 32 and 35. UAV Chaplain Dorothy Budacki recited the opening prayer. This was followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance," the singing of the American anthem led by Andrij Karasejczuk, and the rendition of the Ukrainian anthem by Mrs. Karasejczuk. Past National Commander Eugene Sagasz conducted the installation ceremony of the newly elected officers of the UAV and the Ladies Auxiliary.

A special part of the evening's activities included National Commander Koziak presenting Post 35 Commander Roman Golash a UAV Charter. The post was named in honor of 1st Lt. Ivan Shandor, who tragically passed away in an accident a few years ago. His wife, Lydia, and his three children participated in the banquet ceremonies.

The newly appointed honorary chaplain of Post 35, Father Bohdan Kalynyuk of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Bloomingdale, Ill., provided the benediction. Father Kalynyuk served in the military in Ukraine and spoke about his connection to the UAV.

The keynote speaker of the evening was Brig. Gen. David L. Grange (ret.), who delivered an informative and entertaining presentation. Commander Chuck Dobra of Post 35 served as the master of ceremonies and also gave a thought-provoking speech on present-day values. State Rep. Paul Froelich presented a personal greeting.

Deanna Fedaj read a moving letter about 9/11 and a lovely presentation of Ukrainian songs was rendered by Mrs. Karasejczuk and her daughter Raisa. Oles Striltschuk spoke of his moving visit in Ukraine with Yurii Shukhevych and Post 35's donation of $1,000 to help fund a future visit to the United States.

Ladies Auxiliary President Drabyk presented the UAV with $500 for the organization's Welfare Fund as well as $500 for the Scholarship Fund. Members of the Auxiliary sponsor a yearly raffle and silent auction to raise funds for the UAV's charitable activities. She also recognized the outstanding volunteer work performed by member Alberta Cieply.

National Commander Koziak presented the National Commander's Award to Harold Bochonko of Post 7 in recognition of his many years of service to the organization.

A military liturgy in honor of the Ukrainian American Veterans, as well as all veterans, was celebrated on Sunday by Father Kalynuk at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with the church choir beautifully singing during the service.

With the convention brought to a close, delegates left Palatine agreeing to meet in Boston for next year's UAV national convention.

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