Ukrainian Americans called to active duty (08/15/04)

UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS: Active in our communities

Ukrainian Americans called to active duty

CHICAGO - Since the beginning of U.S. involvement in Iraq UAV members have been called to active duty.

Lt. Col. Gerald V. Nestor, son of UAV member Gerald Nestor of Post 27 is presently serving as a deputy brigade commander of the 16th MP Brigade (Airborne) in Baghdad. He earned his air assault wings in 1984 and served as a captain in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.

Lt. Col. Nestor was born in Glasgow, Mont., on December 22, 1958, where his father was stationed while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was raised in New York and graduated from Long Island City High School. He went on to earn a master's degree from Long Island University and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1981. He is married (wife Kristin Anne née Ditmars) and has three daughters (Courtney, Danielle and Christina).

Walter Nalywajko of Post 32 in Chicago began his military service in June 1977 by enlisting in the Army Reserves and becoming a member of the 327th MP Battalion at O'Hare. He presently holds the rank of sergeant first class E7.

On February 2, 2002, he was called to active duty for two years to work with the 85th Headquarters Training Support in Arlington Heights, Ill. He is to return to reservist status with the 85th as their supply sergeant. Sgt. Nalywajko is married (wife Myra), has three sons (Jerry, Taras and Andrew) and lives in Palatine, Ill.

Mike Chyterbok, also of Post 32, started his military service in 1980 with an ROTC commission as a second lieutenant. His military career has included three years with the 101st Airborne Division, two plus years of duty at Fort Campbell, Ky. and six months of duty with the Sinai U.N. peacekeeping force. He has been a member of the Army Reserve since 1983. He has attended numerous military schools for Airborne, U.S. Ranger and Infantry and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

On May 3 Lt. Col. Chyterbok was activated for a minimum one-year tour of duty at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga. Mike is married (wife Wendy), has two sons (Michael and Paul), and lives in Rockton, Ill. The post hosted a farewell party on April 24 at the EZ Inn in Chicago; members and close friends attended to wish him well and to bid him a safe and healthy return.

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