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Ukrainian American Veterans
Brooklyn, New York
John Terrebetzky, Post 27
By Peter Polnyj, UAV National Adjutant
On December 3, 1989, veterans Mike Buczek, Alex
Kohut, Nick Peshniak, Peter Polnyj, Peter Terrebetzky and Steve Shewczuk were
welcomed by National Financial Officer Harold Bochonko at the first meeting of
Ukrainian American Veterans of Brooklyn. At this time, Mr. Bochonko informed us
that we would be known as Post 27. The first officers elected were: Commander
Peter Polnyj, Vice Commander Nick Peshniak, Adjutant Peter Terrebetzky, Finance
Officer Mike Buczek, Judge Advocate Steve Shewczuk, and Chaplain Alex Kohut.
The second meeting of the Post, January 28,
1990, saw two more new members who, along with the original six, were
officially installed as members and officers of the Post. At each monthly
meeting, more veterans joined so that within the year there were 18 veterans in
Post 27.
Over the first few years, Post 27 participated
in local activities such as: Guard duty at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church
on Good Fridays, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and 'Panakhydas' for fallen
Ukrainian heroes.
As the Post gained new members, it initiated a
renewed interest in the local community as to their stature and maturity
regarding other activities, besides an organization that is only involved in
itself.
To show the skeptics that Post 27 was not a
'fly by night' organization, the first major undertaking involved the blessing
of the flags of the post. In conjunction with the Ukrainian National Home (UNH)
of Brooklyn, which also had to have its colors blessed, a Liturgy and dinner
was proposed.
Due to the financial status of the Post,and
because of its short existence, the UNH undertook the majority of the financial
responsibility for the occasion.
On November 27, 1991 a Liturgy and flag
blessing ceremony took place at Holy Ghost Church, conducted by Very Rev.
George Binkowski. Both church parishioners and community activists were
witnesses at this event. Afterwards, all invited guests proceeded to the Holy
Ghost School Auditorium for the dinner-banquet.
Prior to the Dinner, there was the Presentation
of Colors, Invocation, singing of American and Ukrainian Anthems, and Oath of
Membership to seven new members, officiated by Nat'l Senior Vice Cmdr.
Bochonko.
During his opening remarks, Cmdr. Polnyj
announced Post 27 has selected John Terrebetzky as its Patron (namesake).
Keynote speaker was Joseph Lesawyer, former President of the Ukrainian National
Association (UNA), with guest speaker Roman Popadiuk, who was then an Assistant
Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs to President George Bush.
Mr. Popadiuk was made an honorary member of
Post 27. As the Post reflected on the event, questions arose as to how to top
this one. The question was answered when Ukrainians in America learned that Mr.
Popadiuk was nominated as Ambassador to Ukraine from the U.S. in March, 1992.
On Dec. 15, 1991, Steven Shewczuk was elected
Commander of Post 27. At the initiative of UNH President Peter Polnyj and Cmdr.
Shewczuk, another joint venture was undertaken.
Under the aegis of the Ukrainian Congress
Committee of America, the UNH of Brooklyn, UAV Post 27, and the United
Ukrainian Organizations of New York City, April 5, 1992, will be remembered as
one of the most glorious days in the New York City community.
At the Holy Ghost Church auditorium, over 300
people attended the function, including numerous members from Congress, local
government officials, clergy from all Ukrainian denominations, members from the
Ukrainian Embassy to the United Nations, and representatives from many
Ukrainian organizations too numerous to mention, along with the general public.
Ukrainians took this opportunity to honor one of their own, as "Local boy
does good," at Roman Popadiuk's official appearance as Ambassador to Ukraine
from the U.S.
All proceeds from this event, over $4,000, was
donated to the Children of Chornobyl Fund.
Post 27 has hosted the 46th, 50th,
51st and 54th Annual National Conventions of the UAV .
Several Post 27 members have served the UAV in higher office, both in the New
York State Department and National Executive Board. In 1997, Stephen Szewczuk
was the first Post 27 member to be elected as UAV National Commander and in
2000, Mathew Koziak succeeded him as National Comander.
Through its perseverance, Post 27 has overcome
all adversity thrown its way. It has gained respect in the Greater New York
City area by its attendance and assistance in the role of unofficial
ambassadors of goodwill in the community. Its representation as Ukrainian
American Veterans will keep the traditions of our Fatherland alive and pass on
this legacy to our children.
The current Post 27 Commander is George Mutlos.
For more information about Post 27, contact:
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Peter Polnyj 91 Berry St Brooklyn, NY 11211-2803 718-388-2859 or
917-562-0855 peterpolny@aol.com |
Copyright © 1997-2001
by Walter Demetro of PC HELP L.L.C., George A. Miziuk of GAM-WEB, and Ukrainian American Veterans,
Inc. All rights reserved.
Last updated June 26, 2001.