Ukrainian American Veterans
Encyclopedia
The Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization of the United States, composed of Honorably Discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, who are of Ukrainian heritage or descent. The UAV obtained its tax-exempt status from the IRS in 1984 and was incorporated in the State of New York in 1987. The organization is governed by a volunteer National Executive Board (NEB), headed by a National Commander, elected at a National Convention.
The UAV seeks to unite American Veterans of Ukrainian descent and is pledged to sustain the Constitution, Government and Laws of the United States.
a) To unite, strengthen, and preserve in comradeship, all American Veterans of Ukrainian descent.
b) To perpetuate the memory and deeds of our comrades who gave their lives to secure, for us, the blessings of Liberty.
c) To foster and perpetuate our American way of life.
d) To uphold the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America.
e) To guard and defend the United States of America from all her enemies.
f) To promote a spirit of peace and goodwill amongst all the peoples on earth.
g) To preserve the principles of Justice, Liberty and Democracy for ourselves and our posterity.
h) To assist all comrades in distress as well as all the widows and orphans of our fallen comrades.
i) To maintain the Ukrainian identity in a status of high esteem and respect in these, our United States.
j) To provide scholarships to students who are descendants of or related to Ukrainian American veterans.
After World War II, a larger number of veterans emerged, new posts were formed, and interest rose in creating an organization of national scope. During the 1947 Convention of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America, several delegates met and expressed their desire to form such an association. Major Michael Darmopray (Ukrainian transliteration as Darmohray) made the preparations for Post 1 to host a National Convention at the Penn Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia, during Memorial Day Weekend of 1948 (May 29–31, 1948).
Fifty-five delegates arrived to participate in the first National Convention, from such cities as Bayonne, N.J., Clifton, N.J., Newark, N.J., New York City, N.Y., Perth Amboy, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa., Rome, N.Y., and Troy, N.Y. The delegates discussed variations on a name for the group, and settled on Ukrainian American Veterans. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted. A National Commander and National Executive Board were elected to lead the organization. Various resolutions were adopted, and it was decided that subsequent conventions would be held on an annual basis.
A National Commander is distinguished by a gold garrison cap with blue lettering and blue piping. An Officer of the National Executive Board is distinguished by a garrison cap with a blue crown and gold peak, gold lettering and gold piping.
Although individual Ladies Auxiliary units existed alongside UAV Posts prior to the 1948 Convention, a National organization did not materialize until March, 1974. Rosalie Polche was elected temporary President to lead the group at that time. At the 27th UAV National Convention, in June 1974, at Jersey City, N.J., the Ladies Auxiliary was officially recognized as a part of the Ukrainian American Veterans organization. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted the following year, in June 1975, at the National Convention in Spring Valley, N.Y.
The Ukrainian American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary is an organization with dedicated, empowered women across the country, who are devoted to America's veterans, children and youth, with the notion of inspiring Auxiliary members' communities.
, Memorial Day
, Independence Day
, Veterans Day
, and others. These are usually hosted at the Post level. The ceremonies may include visitation to cemeteries and marching in parades. Many individual UAV Posts have placed memorial markers or monuments in a cemetery that is centrally located for them. These monuments are the gathering place for members during Memorial Day and Veterans Day services.
Many Posts also commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day as a holiday, which was observed on January 22
in the past. After 1991, the date of observance was changed to August 24
.
Representatives of UAV State Departments often participate in patriotic ceremonies, such as Proclamation signings that are sponsored by the Governor's Office or Resolution readings that are passed by the State Legislature. State Department Officers are also frequently invited to attend an annual "Governor's Review" of the State's National Guard troops.
At the National level, the UAV participated in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 1964, at the dedication of the Taras Shevchenko statue
. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was present as the keynote speaker.
The UAV participated and marched in a parade in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 1976, to mark the Bicentennial of American Independence, sponsored by the Ukrainian Bicentennial Committee. A few days later, on June 27, 1976, the Ukrainian American Veterans, along with representatives of the Veterans of the First Division of the Ukrainian National Army, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying was preceded by a memorial service (Moleben), which was conducted jointly by Metropolitan Mstyslav Skrypnyk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
, and Bishop Basil Losten of the Ukrainian Catholic Church
. UAV National Commander Harry Polche was quoted during the ceremony:
The UAV has placed a Memorial Plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial
in Pearl Harbor
, Honolulu, Hawaii
. Past National Commander Bohdan Bezkorowajny, accompanied by his wife Anne of the UAV Ladies Auxiliary and Past National Commander Walter Bacad, presented the plaque to the U.S. Navy in 1980. The UAV has also placed a Memorial Plaque at Arlington National Cemetery
, near Washington, D.C. An additional Marker was placed at Fort Custer National Cemetery
in Michigan
, in 1996.
In 2005, National Commander Anna Krawczuk announced that a UAV National Monument would be built at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, in South Bound Brook
, New Jersey. The UAV Monument would be an ideal gathering place on St. Thomas Sunday and other holidays, to remember all Ukrainian American Veterans.
This article provides grants to veterans who underwent major surgery, had a prolonged stay in the hospital, and were in dire need of funds. An annual fund drive is conducted by the National Welfare Officer to replenish the Welfare Fund. Post Commanders apply for a Welfare Fund grant or loan on behalf of a post member. Neither a Post Commander nor the National Welfare Officer is permitted to disclose the name of the applicant.
Dr. Ihor Zachary of Ohio Post 24 may have been the earliest organizer of aid, when he worked with the Children of Chernobyl Relief Fund Committee in August 1992 to bring the world's largest aircraft, the AN-225 Mria, to Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The crew of the plane was on a mission to collect medicine and medical instruments for the children of Chornobyl.
In 1993, Robert Gulay of New Jersey Post 25 started the "Adopt a Hospital" project, with the assistance of NJ State Commander George A. Miziuk. The Adopt a Hospital Program involved contacting hospitals in the state, and asking them to donate their surplus medical equipment, which was then shipped to hospitals in Ukraine. Enthusiasm for the project was so great from members, that all of the posts in New Jersey participated, and the posts in surrounding states (Connecticut and New York) wanted to pitch in.
In 1993, National Commander Roman Rakowsky wrote to President Bill Clinton, voicing his concern about the U.S. Veterans Administration distribution of duplicate medical journals to Russia, but not other former Soviet republics. The result was, the U.S. Administration released duplicates of medical journals to Ohio Post 24, which shipped them to Ukraine.
From May 22 to June 1, 1995, the Armed Forces of the U.S. and Ukraine conducted joint peacekeeping exercises in the Lviv area, known as "Operation Peace Shield". The U.S. forces were assisted by Major General (ret.) Nicholas S. H. Krawciw
, former commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (1987–1989), who not only translated but also acted as a facilitator between generals of both armies. About a dozen other Ukrainian-speaking military officers and NCOs accompanied the U.S. Forces as interpreters, including Spc. Yaro Rohowsky, Maj. Roman Golash, Spc. Bohdan Мак, Maj. Roman Hayda, Maj. Gregory Perchatsch, Capt. Lia Mastronardi, Spc. Peter Lysenko, Spc. Oleg Sopel and others. Having fluent linguists was essential for this mission. Since January 1995, Lt. Col. Yaro Oryshkevych M.D., D.C. Air National Guard, has been building a database of fluent Ukrainian speakers in both the active and reserve components of all branches of the service. Overall, Operation Peace Shield had 17 Ukrainian speakers and 19 Russian speakers. Many of the Ukrainian-speaking personnel were also UAV members.
In 1999, Commander Taras Szczur of New York Post 301 organized and sent aid to different Ukrainian freight ships, which were stranded in New York Harbor. The Post sent hundreds of pounds of meat, rice and other provisions to the Mikhail Stenko in April and did the same for the Banner of October in August.
In 1978, New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne
signed Executive Order 65, which established the Ethnic Advisory Council in the state. In 1982, Governor Tom Kean
appointed Andrew Keybida of N.J. Post 17 as a Ukrainian representative and the first Ukrainian American Veteran member to serve on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Keybida would serve on the Council for 10 years, well into the term of the next Governor, James J. Florio. In 1994, Governor Christine Todd-Whitman appointed George A. Miziuk of N.J. Post 25 as a Ukrainian representative on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Miziuk would serve for four years, until he moved to Florida and gave up the position.
In 1980, Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh
established the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission, and appointed Past National Commander Walter "Tommy" Darmopray of Penna. Post 1 as a Ukrainian representative on the Commission.
In 1991, New Jersey Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Dick Bernard (under Governor James J. Florio) invited State Commander George A. Miziuk to serve as an advisor to the N.J. State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Miziuk served for two years as an advisor. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial
was completed and unveiled in 1995. UAV N.J. Post 30 has a special marker dedicated to Major Myron Diduryk at the State Memorial.
In 1993, Past National Commander Roman Rakowsky of Ohio Post 24 served as a juror on a Cleveland Veterans committee to select a design for a memorial to be erected on Memorial Plaza, Cleveland Mall "A" for war casualties.
However, social contacts have also reached beyond the members of the UAV. In 1991, Ohio Post 24 and the Lviv-based Ukrainian Veterans of Afghanistan signed a “statement of understanding” to encourage a future relationship to exchange information.
Mission
In the introduction to its National Constitution, the Mission of the Ukrainian American Veterans is stated:The UAV seeks to unite American Veterans of Ukrainian descent and is pledged to sustain the Constitution, Government and Laws of the United States.
Objectives
In Article II of its National Constitution, the following Objectives of the Ukrainian American Veterans are listed:a) To unite, strengthen, and preserve in comradeship, all American Veterans of Ukrainian descent.
b) To perpetuate the memory and deeds of our comrades who gave their lives to secure, for us, the blessings of Liberty.
c) To foster and perpetuate our American way of life.
d) To uphold the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America.
e) To guard and defend the United States of America from all her enemies.
f) To promote a spirit of peace and goodwill amongst all the peoples on earth.
g) To preserve the principles of Justice, Liberty and Democracy for ourselves and our posterity.
h) To assist all comrades in distress as well as all the widows and orphans of our fallen comrades.
i) To maintain the Ukrainian identity in a status of high esteem and respect in these, our United States.
j) To provide scholarships to students who are descendants of or related to Ukrainian American veterans.
History
Ukrainian American Veterans Post 1 was formed in September 1921 in Philadelphia. Other posts were organized in different cities, but due to great distance and lack of numbers, a national organization did not materialize in this time period.After World War II, a larger number of veterans emerged, new posts were formed, and interest rose in creating an organization of national scope. During the 1947 Convention of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America, several delegates met and expressed their desire to form such an association. Major Michael Darmopray (Ukrainian transliteration as Darmohray) made the preparations for Post 1 to host a National Convention at the Penn Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia, during Memorial Day Weekend of 1948 (May 29–31, 1948).
Fifty-five delegates arrived to participate in the first National Convention, from such cities as Bayonne, N.J., Clifton, N.J., Newark, N.J., New York City, N.Y., Perth Amboy, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa., Rome, N.Y., and Troy, N.Y. The delegates discussed variations on a name for the group, and settled on Ukrainian American Veterans. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted. A National Commander and National Executive Board were elected to lead the organization. Various resolutions were adopted, and it was decided that subsequent conventions would be held on an annual basis.
Membership eligibility requirements
Any person of Ukrainian heritage or descent shall be eligible for membership in the Ukrainian American Veterans, if such person has served in the Armed Forces of the United States and has been honorably discharged. Any person who is not of Ukrainian descent, but who meets other requirements of eligibility and is married to a person of Ukrainian descent will be eligible for full membership in the UAV.Posts
The Post is the basic unit of the UAV and usually represents a local geographic area such as a metropolitan area, city, town, or county. The Post is used for formal business such as meetings and a coordination point for local projects. Often the Post will host community events such as bingo, breakfasts, and holiday celebrations. It is also not uncommon for the Post to contain a bar open during limited hours. A Post member is distinguished by a navy blue garrison cap with gold lettering and gold piping.State departments
The Posts are grouped together into a state level organization known as a State Department for the purposes of coordination and administration. There can be a total of 51 State Departments; one for each of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia. A State Department Commander or Department Board Officer is distinguished by a white garrison cap with blue lettering and blue piping.National executive board
The authority of the Ukrainian American Veterans is vested in the National Executive Board (NEB), which meets quarterly or as needed, to conduct the business of the organization. The NEB is headed by a National Commander, who presides over meetings. Other NEB officers may include: Vice Commander, Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Finance Officer, Quartermaster, Chaplain, Historian, Public Relations Officer.A National Commander is distinguished by a gold garrison cap with blue lettering and blue piping. An Officer of the National Executive Board is distinguished by a garrison cap with a blue crown and gold peak, gold lettering and gold piping.
Ladies Auxiliary
A Ladies Auxiliary to the United American Veterans has been established. The Ukrainian American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary is a U.S.-headquartered patriotic service organization for women interested in voluntary service. It is a non-profit organization, affiliated with The Ukrainian American Veterans.Although individual Ladies Auxiliary units existed alongside UAV Posts prior to the 1948 Convention, a National organization did not materialize until March, 1974. Rosalie Polche was elected temporary President to lead the group at that time. At the 27th UAV National Convention, in June 1974, at Jersey City, N.J., the Ladies Auxiliary was officially recognized as a part of the Ukrainian American Veterans organization. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted the following year, in June 1975, at the National Convention in Spring Valley, N.Y.
The Ukrainian American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary is an organization with dedicated, empowered women across the country, who are devoted to America's veterans, children and youth, with the notion of inspiring Auxiliary members' communities.
Patriotic
The Ukrainian American Veterans organize and participate in various patriotic ceremonies, including: Armed Forces DayArmed Forces Day
Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces Day in honor of their military forces. - Armenia :Բանակի օր is celebrated on 28 January to commemorate the formation of the armed forces of the newly independent Republic of Armenia in 1992....
, Memorial Day
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War...
, Independence Day
Independence Day (United States)
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
, Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
, and others. These are usually hosted at the Post level. The ceremonies may include visitation to cemeteries and marching in parades. Many individual UAV Posts have placed memorial markers or monuments in a cemetery that is centrally located for them. These monuments are the gathering place for members during Memorial Day and Veterans Day services.
Many Posts also commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day as a holiday, which was observed on January 22
Ukrainian People's Republic
The Ukrainian People's Republic or Ukrainian National Republic was a republic that was declared in part of the territory of modern Ukraine after the Russian Revolution, eventually headed by Symon Petliura.-Revolutionary Wave:...
in the past. After 1991, the date of observance was changed to August 24
Declaration of Independence of Ukraine
The Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament on August 24, 1991. The Act established Ukraine as an independent, democratic state....
.
Representatives of UAV State Departments often participate in patriotic ceremonies, such as Proclamation signings that are sponsored by the Governor's Office or Resolution readings that are passed by the State Legislature. State Department Officers are also frequently invited to attend an annual "Governor's Review" of the State's National Guard troops.
At the National level, the UAV participated in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 1964, at the dedication of the Taras Shevchenko statue
Taras Shevchenko (Mol statue)
Taras Shevchenko is a bronze sculpture by Leo Mol. It is located at P Street, between 22nd Street and 23rd Street, N.W. Washington D.C., near Dupont Circle...
. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was present as the keynote speaker.
The UAV participated and marched in a parade in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 1976, to mark the Bicentennial of American Independence, sponsored by the Ukrainian Bicentennial Committee. A few days later, on June 27, 1976, the Ukrainian American Veterans, along with representatives of the Veterans of the First Division of the Ukrainian National Army, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying was preceded by a memorial service (Moleben), which was conducted jointly by Metropolitan Mstyslav Skrypnyk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA is a jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States. It consists of three eparchies , ruled by two diocesan bishops, including about 85 active parishes and missions. The Church's current primate is Metropolitan Constantine...
, and Bishop Basil Losten of the Ukrainian Catholic Church
Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is the Catholic archeparchy governing all Ukrainian Greek Catholic eparchies and Ukrainian Greek Catholics in the United States. Its headquarters are at 827 North Franklin Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The current metropolitan is the...
. UAV National Commander Harry Polche was quoted during the ceremony:
The UAV has placed a Memorial Plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by Japanese imperial forces and commemorates the events of that day...
in Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. Past National Commander Bohdan Bezkorowajny, accompanied by his wife Anne of the UAV Ladies Auxiliary and Past National Commander Walter Bacad, presented the plaque to the U.S. Navy in 1980. The UAV has also placed a Memorial Plaque at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
, near Washington, D.C. An additional Marker was placed at Fort Custer National Cemetery
Fort Custer National Cemetery
Fort Custer National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located just outside of the Village of Augusta in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It encompasses , and as of the end of 2005, had 20,656 interments.- History :...
in Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, in 1996.
In 2005, National Commander Anna Krawczuk announced that a UAV National Monument would be built at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, in South Bound Brook
South Bound Brook, New Jersey
South Bound Brook is a Borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the borough population was 4,563.What is now South Bound Brook was originally formed as a town within Franklin Township...
, New Jersey. The UAV Monument would be an ideal gathering place on St. Thomas Sunday and other holidays, to remember all Ukrainian American Veterans.
Charitable
Since the creation of the Ukrainian American Veterans, one of the main activities of the group has been to work on charitable projects, such as the Welfare Fund, Scholarship Fund, and sending aid to Ukraine.Welfare fund
After the National UAV was established, there was a desire among the membership to have a "National Welfare Fund" to assist veterans in need. The by-laws of the fund changed several times over the years; the version adopted in 1992 is the one currently in use: The purpose of the National Welfare Fund is to provide assistance in the form of grants to veteran members, their families, or an Ukrainian American Veterans Post, as aid in times of distress; also to provide gifts or grants to the Ukrainian American men or women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.This article provides grants to veterans who underwent major surgery, had a prolonged stay in the hospital, and were in dire need of funds. An annual fund drive is conducted by the National Welfare Officer to replenish the Welfare Fund. Post Commanders apply for a Welfare Fund grant or loan on behalf of a post member. Neither a Post Commander nor the National Welfare Officer is permitted to disclose the name of the applicant.
Scholarship fund
The 48th National Convention authorized the creation of a National Scholarship Fund and the election of a Scholarship Officer to the National Executive Board. The Scholarship Officer conducts an annual fund drive to replenish the scholarship fund, and selects a Scholarship Committee which reviews applications and awards scholarships. To be eligible for a UAV scholarship, applicants must be descendants or related to a Ukrainian American Veteran and be a full-time matriculated college student in a degree program. Undergraduate students may reapply for scholarship awards up to four times.Aid to Ukraine
After Ukraine obtained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, sending aid to Ukraine became a new activity for the Ukrainian American Veterans.Dr. Ihor Zachary of Ohio Post 24 may have been the earliest organizer of aid, when he worked with the Children of Chernobyl Relief Fund Committee in August 1992 to bring the world's largest aircraft, the AN-225 Mria, to Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The crew of the plane was on a mission to collect medicine and medical instruments for the children of Chornobyl.
In 1993, Robert Gulay of New Jersey Post 25 started the "Adopt a Hospital" project, with the assistance of NJ State Commander George A. Miziuk. The Adopt a Hospital Program involved contacting hospitals in the state, and asking them to donate their surplus medical equipment, which was then shipped to hospitals in Ukraine. Enthusiasm for the project was so great from members, that all of the posts in New Jersey participated, and the posts in surrounding states (Connecticut and New York) wanted to pitch in.
In 1993, National Commander Roman Rakowsky wrote to President Bill Clinton, voicing his concern about the U.S. Veterans Administration distribution of duplicate medical journals to Russia, but not other former Soviet republics. The result was, the U.S. Administration released duplicates of medical journals to Ohio Post 24, which shipped them to Ukraine.
From May 22 to June 1, 1995, the Armed Forces of the U.S. and Ukraine conducted joint peacekeeping exercises in the Lviv area, known as "Operation Peace Shield". The U.S. forces were assisted by Major General (ret.) Nicholas S. H. Krawciw
Nicholas S. H. Krawciw
Nicholas S. H. Krawciw is a retired United States Army Major General who served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and served as Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division from 1987 to 1989.-Early life:...
, former commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (1987–1989), who not only translated but also acted as a facilitator between generals of both armies. About a dozen other Ukrainian-speaking military officers and NCOs accompanied the U.S. Forces as interpreters, including Spc. Yaro Rohowsky, Maj. Roman Golash, Spc. Bohdan Мак, Maj. Roman Hayda, Maj. Gregory Perchatsch, Capt. Lia Mastronardi, Spc. Peter Lysenko, Spc. Oleg Sopel and others. Having fluent linguists was essential for this mission. Since January 1995, Lt. Col. Yaro Oryshkevych M.D., D.C. Air National Guard, has been building a database of fluent Ukrainian speakers in both the active and reserve components of all branches of the service. Overall, Operation Peace Shield had 17 Ukrainian speakers and 19 Russian speakers. Many of the Ukrainian-speaking personnel were also UAV members.
In 1999, Commander Taras Szczur of New York Post 301 organized and sent aid to different Ukrainian freight ships, which were stranded in New York Harbor. The Post sent hundreds of pounds of meat, rice and other provisions to the Mikhail Stenko in April and did the same for the Banner of October in August.
Community activity
UAV members have served in various roles as community representatives and leaders.In 1978, New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne
Brendan Byrne
Brendan Thomas Byrne is an American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey, who served as the 47th Governor of New Jersey, from 1974 to 1982.-Early life and education:...
signed Executive Order 65, which established the Ethnic Advisory Council in the state. In 1982, Governor Tom Kean
Thomas Kean
Thomas Howard Kean is an American Republican Party politician, who served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990. Kean is best known globally, however, for his 2002 appointment as Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, widely known as the...
appointed Andrew Keybida of N.J. Post 17 as a Ukrainian representative and the first Ukrainian American Veteran member to serve on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Keybida would serve on the Council for 10 years, well into the term of the next Governor, James J. Florio. In 1994, Governor Christine Todd-Whitman appointed George A. Miziuk of N.J. Post 25 as a Ukrainian representative on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Miziuk would serve for four years, until he moved to Florida and gave up the position.
In 1980, Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh
Dick Thornburgh
Richard Lewis "Dick" Thornburgh is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as the 41st Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1987, and then as the U.S...
established the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission, and appointed Past National Commander Walter "Tommy" Darmopray of Penna. Post 1 as a Ukrainian representative on the Commission.
In 1991, New Jersey Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Dick Bernard (under Governor James J. Florio) invited State Commander George A. Miziuk to serve as an advisor to the N.J. State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Miziuk served for two years as an advisor. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, honors those from that state who served in the Vietnam War, especially the 1,561 men and one woman who were killed or missing in action. The design for the memorial was created by Hien Nguyen in 1988, and construction was...
was completed and unveiled in 1995. UAV N.J. Post 30 has a special marker dedicated to Major Myron Diduryk at the State Memorial.
In 1993, Past National Commander Roman Rakowsky of Ohio Post 24 served as a juror on a Cleveland Veterans committee to select a design for a memorial to be erected on Memorial Plaza, Cleveland Mall "A" for war casualties.
Social
In addition to its formal activities, the UAV exists as a social group where members can share camaraderie with other American veterans of Ukrainian heritage. Social activities, mainly organized at the Post level, can vary anywhere from barbecues, baseball games, and bingo, to banquets and ballroom dances.However, social contacts have also reached beyond the members of the UAV. In 1991, Ohio Post 24 and the Lviv-based Ukrainian Veterans of Afghanistan signed a “statement of understanding” to encourage a future relationship to exchange information.
List of National Commanders
National Commanders are elected for a term of one year, and may be reelected for additional terms.- Michael Darmopray (Honorary), PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 1, 1948 - Michael Hynda, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Post 6, 1948–1949 - Walter Shipka, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1949–1950 - Walter T. Darmopray, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 1, 1950–1952 - Martin Horbiowski (Horby), PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 4, 1952–1953 - Walter T. Darmopray, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 1, 1953–1954 - Alex Pronchik, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 1, 1954–1956 - Walter Bacad, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1956–1957 - Emil Senkow, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 4, 1957–1959 - George Wolynetz Jr., New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1959–1960 - Anthony Kutcher, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, Post 14, 1960–1961 - Matthew J. Pope, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1961–1963 - Stephen Shegda, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 4, 1963–1965 - Walter Klawsnick, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1965–1966 - Eugene Sagasz, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Post 17, 1966–1968 - William Michael Dubetz, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1968–1970 - Michael Wengryn, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Post 17, 1970–1972 - William Harrison, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 19, 1972–1973 - Emrick Prestash, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, Post 15, 1973–1974 - Vasyl Luchkiw, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 19, 1974–1976 - Harry Polche, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1976–1978 - Bohdan Bezkorowajny, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1978–1980 - Michael Chaika, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, Post 15, 1980–1982 - Edward A. Zetick, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 4, 1982–1984 - Joseph Brega, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 19, 1984–1986 - Atanas T. Kobryn, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 7, 1986–1988 - Jaroslaw Fodoryczuk, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 18, 1988–1989 - Dmytro Bykovetz Jr., PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Post 4, 1989–1991 - Roman Rakowsky, OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, Post 24, 1991–1993 - Miroslaus Malaniak, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 23, 1993–1995 - Dmytro Bodnarczuk, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 19, 1995–1997 - Stephen Szewczuk, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 27, 1997–2000 - Mathew Koziak, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Post 27, 2000–2004 - Anna Krawczuk, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Post 30, 2004–2008 - Leonid E. Kondratiuk, MassachusettsMassachusettsThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, Post 31, 2008–present
See also
- David E. BoniorDavid E. BoniorDavid Edward Bonior is an American politician from the US state of Michigan. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, Bonior served as Democratic whip in the House from 1991 to 2002, during which time Democrats were in both the majority and minority , making Bonior the third...
- Jeremy Michael BoordaJeremy Michael BoordaJeremy Michael Boorda was an admiral of the United States Navy and the 25th Chief of Naval Operations . Boorda is the only CNO to have risen to the position from the enlisted ranks.-Early life and education :...
- Myron Diduryk
- Samuel JaskilkaSamuel JaskilkaSamuel Jaskilka is a retired four-star general whose last assignment was Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps . General Jaskilka is a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War, having led the landing at Inchon as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines...
- Nicholas S. H. KrawciwNicholas S. H. KrawciwNicholas S. H. Krawciw is a retired United States Army Major General who served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and served as Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division from 1987 to 1989.-Early life:...
- Nicholas MinueNicholas MinueNicholas Minue received the Medal of Honor for military service on behalf of the United States of America in World War II. He received this recognition for charging a group of German soldiers that had a machine-gun position near Medjez El Bab, Tunisia...
- Jack PalanceJack PalanceJack Palance , was an American actor. During half a century of film and television appearances, Palance was nominated for three Academy Awards, all as Best Actor in a Supporting Role, winning in 1991 for his role in City Slickers.-Early life:Palance, one of five children, was born Volodymyr...
- Roman PopadiukRoman PopadiukRoman Popadiuk served as the United States Ambassador to Ukraine under George H.W. Bush, from 1992 to 1993. Since 1999, he has served as the Executive Director of the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas....
- Michael StrankMichael StrankMichael Strank was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was photographed raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The leader of the group in the famous picture was Strank, who got the order to climb Mt. Suribachi to lay telephone wire...
Further reading
- Dmytro Bodnarczuk, Ukrainian American Veterans, 1948–1998: Historical analysis and evaluation (1998), ASIN B0006RFMG4
- Anna Krawczuk, Ukrainian American Veterans, 1998–2003: registration project report (2004)
- Alexander Lushnycky, Ukrainians in Pennsylvania: a contribution to the growth of the Commonwealth (1976), ASIN B001DDBMC8
- Alex Lushnycky, Ukrainians of Greater Philadelphia (2007), ISBN 9780738550404
- Myron B. Kuropas, Ukrainians of Chicagoland (2006), ISBN 0738540994
- Nancy Karen Wichar, Ukrainians of Metropolitan Detroit (2010), ISBN 9780738577166
- Vsevolod Kohutiak, M.D., Fullback One Six (2000), ISBN 9780805948516
- Frank Paul Senko, Wars of My Life (2005), ISBN 9780805998870