Ukrainian American Veterans update

     Last week’s monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Commander Eugene A. Tomashosky of North Port, was attended by the largest number of members in recent time.

    After the traditional opening ceremony (salute to the flag, Pledge of Allegiance, moment of silence for departed comrades and official opening of the meeting by the commander), the minutes of the last meeting were read by Commander Gene. The finance officer, who is also the post’s vice commander, Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), presented a detailed report of post’s finances, including funds received thus far for the upcoming Officers Installation/ Fundraiser luncheon.

    Post Quartermaster Dr. George Baranowskyj’s report was augmented by the distribution of caps and T-shirts to the newest members. Chaplain/ service officer Marian Bojsiuk informed members of the new type of Veterans Administration benefits card and also of some of the changes in the VA system. Public relations officer, yours truly, reported on the publicity in the North Port Sun. Commander Tomashosky congratulated yours truly on the article about Post 40 published in the recent issue of The UAV Tribune.

    UAV National Commander and Post 40 Past Commander Ihor W. Hron presented a comprehensive report on the 67th UAV National Convention, held Oct. 3-5 in Independence, Ohio. He spoke very highly of the superb job done by host Ukrainian Vietnam Veterans of Cleveland Ohio, Post 24 headed by Commander Bohdan Samokyszyn and the 67th National Convention Committee headed by PNC Roman Rakowsky. NC Hron provided some details of the convention’s deliberations: The National Executive Board, including the national commander, was re-elected in its entirety for the next year, the new UAV webmaster (a volunteer) was approved, and next year’s 68th National Convention will be co-hosted by the UAV New Jersey posts, with UAV Post 17 of Passaic, N.J., headed by James Fedorko, assuming the responsibility for the convention journal. NC Hron, who chaired the 67th convention’s resolution committee, reported on the resolution passed by the convention, which included, among other important issues, a request for President Obama to provide lethal assistance to the Armed Forces and Volunteer Battalions of Ukraine now fighting against Putin’s Russian aggression.

    Post Vice Commander and UAV National Adjutant Rondiak spoke briefly about his activities at the convention, including meeting with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s staff. He then proceeded to provide additional information about the status of ticket sales and other details of the traditional Officers Installation/Fundraiser luncheon at noon Nov. 13 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port. He emphasized that there are very few tickets remaining to be sold, and no tickets will be sold at the door.

    Yours truly, as chair of the post’s Nominating Committee, presented the list of post officers to be formally elected at the next membership meeting on Nov. 7. They will be installed at the Nov. 13 luncheon.

    Before adjourning the meeting, Commander Tomashosky reminded members of the traditional Panakhyda (requiem service) for departed veterans on Nov. 9 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church, and the Community Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Veterans Park, next to the North Port Library.

    Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed at atanask@aol. com. 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

 by Atanas Kobryn