Ukrainian American Veterans' national executive board meets (08/07/05)

Ukrainian American Veterans' national executive board meets

by Walter Bodnar

BATH, N.Y. - Meetings of the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) national executive board, UAV National Ladies Auxiliary and UAV Convention Committee took place over the July 8-10 weekend on a 100-acre farm in the upstate New York town of Bath. Veterans present were from the states of New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, including commanders from Posts 24, 30 and 101.

After the sessions all of the participants were treated to a pig roast, prepared by the host, Past National Commander Mathew Koziak, and Judge Advocate Michael Demchuk. The piglet was bought from a local Amish farmer-butcher.

National commander Anna Krawczuk chaired the open-air UAV meeting, which covered activity reports from national officers, plans for funding veterans scholarships and welfare programs, and consolidating details for the upcoming UAV convention at Soyuzivka over the September 29-October 2, weekend.

Cmdr. Krawczuk stressed the importance of reaching out to all areas in the U.S. to register all veterans of Ukrainian heritage who are presently serving or have served in the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. She said this would be of help not only for the ongoing UAV registration project but also for House Resolution 769, currently pending in the U.S. Congress, which calls for a federal charter to give formal recognition to the Ukrainian American Veterans Inc.

In addition, this would tie in with plans for the UAV National Monument on the grounds of St. Andrew's Memorial Church and Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. Mr. Koziak and the Rev. Frank Estocin are co-chairs of the UAV National Monument Committee.

Another project requiring extensive effort is the collection of oral histories from as many veterans as possible. The UAV historian, Past National Commander Vasyl Luchkiw elaborated on the project. If successful, these recorded accounts would serve to authenticate and preserve the dedicated service of Ukrainian Americans who have become part of American military history.

The UAV National Ladies Auxiliary's fund-raising projects benefit the UAV Welfare and Scholarship programs. Their duties include registration during the UAV conventions as well. Participants during this meeting were Vice-President Oksana Koziak, Irene Pryjma, Irene Demchuk and Romana Michajliw.

UAV Convention Committee Chairman Koziak reported that preparations for the convention were moving on schedule. Suggested convention speakers are being reviewed, including those recently returned from active duty in Iraq. It was decided to dedicate the 58th UAV Convention Journal to the troops in the war on terrorism and to honor UAV World War II veterans during the convention in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

With a lot of thanks to their hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Koziak, the assembled veterans departed for their respective homes.

For further information readers may contact: Ukrainian American Vetetrans, P.O. Box 172, Holmdel, N.J. 07733-0172; website, www.uavets.org.

Walter Bodnar is national adjutant of the Ukrainian American Veterans.

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