UAVeterans convention to feature keynote speeches by UAMA leaders (09/17/00)

UAVeterans convention to feature keynote speeches by UAMA leaders

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

WARREN, Mich. - The Ukrainian community will have the opportunity to hear two speakers from the U.S. military, Col. Askold D. Mosijczuk and Maj. Roman G. Golash, give their viewpoints on Ukrainian American involvement with medical missions and the highly controversial Ukrainian-Russian language morass that affects U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Both of these experienced soldiers have performed numerous missions to Ukraine and are highly qualified in their respective areas of expertise. They have been chosen by the Ukrainian American Veterans 53rd National Convention Committee to be the keynote speakers at the gala banquet and ball scheduled for September 30 in Warren, Mich.

For many years, Russian-language interpreters have been accustomed to translating dialogues on many important Ukrainian business and military matters. As a result, active and reserve officers of the United States Armed Forces organized the Ukrainian American Military Association (UAMA). In a short time this group was able to organize up to 80 qualified Ukrainian-language interpreters to correct entrenched Russian-language dominance. It should be noted that the UAMA, with the assistance of U.S. Army consultant Maj. Gen. Nicholas Krawciw, have established a significant connection with ranking personnel of the Ukrainian army.

The speakers for the convention banquet have distinguished themselves in the Ukrainian community. Col. Mosijczuk is in the Medical Corps, U.S. Army. By profession he is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist who cares for children with blood disorders, cancer and leukemia. Dr. Mosijczuk is currently assigned to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, where he is chief of the Pediatric/Oncology Service.

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Col. Mosijczuk entered active duty as a general practitioner in 1974, and was assigned to Fort Sill, Okla. Col. Mosijczuk participated in several humanitarian missions, including both military and medical missions to Ukraine in the past eight years. At this writing, the colonel is chief operations officer of the Ukrainian American Military Association, and in that position is actively immersed in providing interpreters and giving support to U.S.-Ukraine military missions and designated projects. His address at the convention will focus on medical missions to Ukraine.

The second topic will cover language and personnel and will be delivered by Maj. Golash from the 801st Combat Support Hospital, Sheridan Reserve Center, Illinois.

Maj. Golash enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1972 and was trained as a medical technologist and microbiologist. After being discharged in 1976 and then completing graduate studies, Maj. Golash received a direct commission in 1982 as a Medical Corps service officer.

From 1982 to 1989 was assigned as a mobilization augment to the Brook Army Medical Center in Houston. In 1989-1998 he was assigned to the 361st Medical Laboratory Unit in Chicago, where he served as a microbiologist and training officer.

Since 1998 Maj. Golash has been a member of the 801st Combat Support Hospital and has completed duties as the personnel officer (S-1), equal opportunity officer and a laboratory officer. He is currently the officer in charge of laboratory services.

Since 1993 Maj. Golash has completed eight interpreter missions to Ukraine. Four of the missions were medical/humanitarian, with the remaining serving units from combat arms. During these missions he was attached to the U.S. Air Force 163rd Air Refueling Wing in California, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Reserve Command and Sergeant Major Academy.

Maj. Golash is currently enrolled in the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He resides in Palatine, Ill., with his wife, Anya, and two children, Matthew and Natalia.

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