Ukrainian American Veterans Post 17 active in N.J. community (03/16/03)

Ukrainian American Veterans Post 17 active in N.J. community

by Zenko Halkowycz

CLIFTON, N.J. - Members of Post 17 of the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) meet monthly to discuss veteran issues and are active participant in the Passaic/Clifton Ukrainian community.

The post, which currently has 34 active members, welcomes all Ukrainian American veterans who wish to enjoy the military camaraderie to which only service members can relate. The hot topic being discussed at this time is the UAV federal charter, which the national board, with the help of the Washington office of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has recruited Sen. Sander Levin to introduce in Congress. The Ukrainian American Veterans are asking all Ukrainians to call their congressman to solicit support for this bill.

During the year the post, under supervision of its Post commander, Walter Kupecki, conducts an installation dinner for newly elected officers. The installation officer, Gene Sagaz, a past national commander and past post commander is a legend in conducting this ceremony.

The post commemorates departed comrades by paying homage and respect during Memorial Day by attending a panakhyda (memorial service) at Lake View cemetery. Peter Babarak decorates the UAV monument at the cemetery with Ukrainian and American flags every year.

The post holds an annual Christmas party with the participation of the Ladies Auxiliary. This event is very popular with post members, and it attracts many community members. The spouses of our members attend the party so that they become an active part of Post 17.

The post also participates in the community by being a member of the Passaic/Clifton UCCA branch. Post 17 is represented at all local events that are sponsored by the Ukrainian community. The Ukrainian community of Passaic/Clifton was deeply affected by the horrific events of September 11, 2001, and one of its community members fell in the line of duty. The Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) of Passaic/Clifton held memorial services for Port Authority Police Officer John Skala who died at the World Trade Center. On November 24, 2002, Post 17 was in attendance at St. Nicholas church and later at the CYMA hall at the Ukrainian Community Center which was dedicated to PO Scala's memory.

The post commander organized his troops; Walter Stepanik was posted to lead the color guard to church and the memorial service; and all members were requested to attend in uniform. During the commemorative services a total of 22 post members paid their respects to a fallen hero.

Post 17 is unique in its membership: it encompasses veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Recently one of our members was recalled to active duty to serve with a chemical unit in the Persian Gulf.

Senior members of the post pass the UAV traditions to the younger recruits. The older members demonstrate their tenacious dedication by visiting ill comrades who are in hospitals, or at home recuperating. The Ladies Auxiliary, headed by Marij Prus, helps with the post's scholarship fund by making significant contributions. Last year the winner of this scholarship was Markian Romaniw of Ridgewood N.J.

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