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HISTORY
Since the arrival of the first Ukrainian immigrant in the United States, our
people have loyally supported their adopted country in peace and war. Many
are those of the first generation and their sons who have served, suffered
and died in the defense of this great nation.
It has long been the dream of these veterans to form a national group so as
to better serve the United State and at the same time do all that can be done
for the mother country Ukraine. After World War I, individual Ukrainian
American Veterans' Posts were organized, but because of great distances a national
organization never materialized.
However, at the conclusion of World War II, when so many thousands of
Ukrainian Americans served long and well and with great distinction, this old
dream came true. On Memorial Day Weekend of 1948, at Philadelphia, Pa., the
First Annual Convention of the Ukrainian American Veterans, a national
organization, took place.
Since then, this UAV has grown in numbers and stature. Its works have been
many and good, and so it will continue. The UAV, an American organization, never
forgetting its Ukrainian ancestry, is a necessary force in Ukrainian American
life. Its members must never forget or fail its purposes, and must always
keep faith with the pioneers of the UAV, those who converted a dream into
reality.
MISSION OF THE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS
The UAV seeks to unite American Veterans of Ukrainian descent and is pledged
to sustain the Constitution, Government and Laws of the United States.
ACTIVITIES OF THE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS
Among its activities, mainly carried out by Local Post Organizations, the UAV
sponsors Patriotic observances on holidays, provides Veterans Affairs
Programs, perpetuates the memory of Veterans, cooperates with Local Community
Groups in service projects, and bestows awards to individuals and groups
recognizing artistic, cultural, educational or patriotic achievements.
The UAV participated in the dedication ceremony of the Taras Shevchenko
Monument in Washington, DC.
The UAV participated in the celebration of the Millennium of Ukrainian
Christianity in Washington, DC, in 1988, and also the Shevchenko 175th
Anniversary in 1989.
The UAV placed memorial plaques at the Arlington National Cemetery in
Virginia, and in the Shrine Room of the Battleship "USS Arizona" at
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The UAV is incorporated under the laws of the State of New York.
The UAV
Registration Project went into effect in 1998.
The UAV
became an Official Partner of the Veterans History Project at the Library of
Congress in 2002.
a)
The Ladies Auxiliary assists and gives support to the Ukrainian American
Veterans.
CONSTITUTION of the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS
PREAMBLE
WE, THE AMERICANS OF UKRAINIAN DESCENT, WHO SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN ORDER THAT WE MAY BE UNITED BY A SPIRIT OF
COMRADESHIP, FIDELITY AND PATRIOTISM, TO BETTER OURSELVES AND OUR COUNTRY, DO
ORDAIN AND ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION FOR THE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS.
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS.
ARTICLE II
Objectives
The objectives and purposes of this organization are:
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 sustain the Constitution, Government 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 aid in
promoting the growth of democracy in Ukraine.
j) To maintain the Ukrainian
identity in a status of high esteem and respect in these, our United States.
k) To provide scholarships to
students who are descendants of Ukrainian American Veterans.
ARTICLE III
Seal, Emblem and Banner
Section 1
The official seal and emblem of the Ukrainian American Veterans shall be the
only one authorized for use by any Post or State Department.
Section 2
An official Banner shall be adopted by the Ukrainian American Veterans. Each
Post and State Department may design its own; provided that its colors are
only Blue and Gold.
Section 3
Each Post, State Department and the National Headquarters shall have an
American, POW/MIA and Ukrainian Flag which shall be displayed according with
the established rules and regulations. The American Flag must always be
displayed whenever the Post, State Department or National Banner is
displayed.
ARTICLE IV
National Newsletter
There shall be but one official newsletter of the Ukrainian American Veterans
and it shall be issued by the National Publications Editor.
ARTICLE V
National Charter
The Ukrainian American Veterans shall seek a National Charter from the
Congress of the United States of America.
ARTICLE VI
Eligibility
Section 1
Any person of Ukrainian 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.
Section 2
Any person who is not of Ukrainian descent, but who meets other requirements
of Section 1 and is married to a person of Ukrainian descent will be eligible
for full membership in the Ukrainian American Veterans.
Section 3
Any person who meets the eligibility for membership in the Ukrainian American
Veterans but who resides in a locality where there is no established Post may
apply as an Member at Large. An application will be submitted to the National
Executive Board for final approval. A Member at Large shall be entitled to
all rights and privileges. Members at Large will be required to join member
Posts when they are organized in their localities.
ARTICLE VII
State and Post Organization
Section 1
The Ukrainian American Veterans shall be organized in Departments and each
State Department in Posts. There shall be one Department in each State and in
the District of Columbia. The National Executive Board may establish Posts in
the territorial and insular possessions of the United States and in Foreign
Countries.
Section 2 - State Department
a) A State Department may be organized by two or more Ukrainian American
Veteran Posts. The Executive Board of the State Department must petition the
National Executive Board for a charter. Upon approval of the National
Executive Board, a charter shall be issued, signed by the National Commander
and the National Adjutant.
b) Each State Department shall have a Department Commander, one or more vice
commanders and a Department Adjutant and such other officers as shall be
determined by the State Department Executive Board. The Department, in no
event, shall invade the prerogatives now vested either in the Post or
National Organization.
Section 3 - Post Organization
a) The minimum membership of a Post shall be five (5) veterans in any
community.
b) A Post shall apply for a charter to the Executive Board of the State
Department. Said application must be properly executed by the members of the
Post. The State Department must approve the application and forward said
application to the National Executive Board for final approval. The charter
shall then be countersigned by the National Commander and the National
Adjutant before being issued to the Post.
c) No Post shall be named after any living person.
d) Each Post shall be the judge of its own membership subject to the State
Department and National Constitution and By-Laws.
e) Each newly formed Post shall be numbered consecutively with no exception.
Section 4
Each State Department and Post shall determine its own dues.
Section 5
Each State Department and any Post may prescribe its own Constitution and
By-Laws as long as it is not in conflict with the National Constitution and
By-Laws.
ARTICLE VIII
UAV National Ladies Auxiliary
Section 1
The Ukrainian American Veterans authorize the establishment of an Auxiliary
organization to be known as the UAV National Ladies Auxiliary.
Section 2
The UAV National Ladies Auxiliary shall be under the jurisdiction of the
National Executive Board of the Ukrainian American Veterans..
Section 3
The Auxiliary shall meet in conjunction with the National Convention of the
Ukrainian American Veterans
ARTICLE IX
Delegation of Authority
Section 1
The Legislative Body of the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS shall be the NATIONAL
CONVENTION, which shall meet annually at a time and place to be fixed by the
preceding National Convention.
Section 2
The ADMINISTRATIVE BODY of the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS shall be vested in
the NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD.
ARTICLE X
Finance
Section 1
The revenue of the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN VETERANS shall be derived from the
annual membership and from such other sources as may be approved by the
National Executive Board.
Section 2
The amount of such annual dues shall be determined by each National
Convention for the following year.
Section 3
The per capita dues shall be collected by each Post. Said per capita amount
with an accompanying list of current names, addresses and phone numbers for
whom the per capita is being submitted must be sent to the National Finance
Officer with copies submitted to the National Commander, the State Department
and National Public Relations/ Publications Officer.
Section 4
The per capita dues and Post registration shall be due and payable on or
before April 15th of each year to the National Finance Officer.
ARTICLE XI
Amendments
Section 1
This Constitution may be amended at any National Convention without notice,
when properly moved and voted unanimously by the registered delegates present
at the convention.
Section 2
A proposed amendment submitted by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee to
the convention shall require two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present
for adoption.
Section 3
A Post or State Department, must submit their proposed amendments to the
Constitution to the National Judge Advocate at least 60 days before the
National Convention. The National Judge Advocate shall prepare and present to
the Constitution and By-Laws Committee of the National Convention such
recommendations made by the Posts and/or State Departments for discussion,
and if merited, presentation before the delegates of the Convention for a
vote.
BY-LAWS of the Ukrainian American Veterans
ARTICLE I
National Convention
Section 1
a) The National Convention shall elect the National Executive Board from the
delegation present at the National Convention.
b) A candidate for any National Executive Board position must be physically
present at said Convention to be considered for nomination. No proxy shall be allowed, except in
extenuating circumstances, in which case the Nominating Committee will make
the decision..
c) In
determining the selection the selection of candidates for national Office
during a said National Convention, the Nominating Committee will give
consideration to provide a fair, equitable and geographic distribution of
officers among UAV Centers.
d) Except for
appointed members of the National Executive Board, to qualify for election to
the National Executive Board the candidate must have been a member of the
Ukrainian American Veterans for twelve (12) months.
Section 2
a) A delegate and the alternate shall be members in good standing of their
respective Post. They shall be members of the Ukrainian American Veterans for
at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the National Convention and
their current dues must have been paid at least thirty (30) days prior to the
National Convention.
b) Each registered delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote and must be
present on the convention floor to cast his/her vote. Alternates shall act
only in the absence of a delegate. Alternates shall have all the privileges
of a delegate except they shall not vote or move any business.
Section 3
In addition to the Post Commander, each Post shall be entitled to three (3)
delegates for the first twenty (20) members, and one (1) additional delegate
for each ten (10) members or any part thereof after the first twenty (20) and
to one (1) alternate for each delegate.
b) Minimum Five
(5) Members at Large present at the Convention can elect on (1) delegate
among themselves.
Section 4
The names of all delegates and alternates shall be filed with the National
Executive Board at least thirty (30) days prior to the National Convention.
Section 5
A quorum shall exist at a National Convention when fifty percent (50%) of all
duly registered delegates are present and fifty percent (50%) of all
Ukrainian American Veterans Posts are present.
Section 6
Voting at the National Convention shall be by "Closed Ballot" on
positions for the National Executive Board unless the candidate is unopposed.
Voting on all other matters will be determined by the National Convention to
be by closed vote, voice vote, show of hands or a roll call vote.
Section 7
A majority vote shall be binding except when otherwise stated in the
Constitution or By-Laws.
Section 8
Each member Post in good standing shall select one delegate to serve on such
committees as prescribed by the National Commander. The Committees will be
chaired by the Board Members responsible or appointed by the National
Commander. The Chairman will submit a written report to the Convention.
Section 9
a) All Post Commanders, State Commanders and Past National Commanders shall
be on the nominating committee. The National Commander shall appoint a Past
National Commander as chairman of the Nominating Committee. He/she shall
submit a written report of the nominees for each elected office to the
Convention body.
b) Additional nominations may be made from the convention floor.
c) There shall be no more than five (5) candidates for each National office.
A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for any elective office, the
three (3) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be the only
candidates to be voted for the second ballot.
d) A Post
Commander can designate a member of his/her Post to represent him/her if
he/she cannot make it to the Convention.
Such designation must be made in writing prior to the UAV National
Convention.
ARTICLE II
National Executive Board
Section 1
a) The National Executive Board shall be elected at a National Convention and
shall serve for two (2) years.
Section 2
a) The elected National Executive Board shall consist of a National
Commander, National Vice-Commander, National Finance Officer, National Judge
Advocate, National Quartermaster, National Welfare Officer, National
Scholarship Officer, National Chaplain/Service Officer, National Historian
and National Public Relations/Publications Officer, and National Webmaster.
b) The National Adjutant shall be elected by the National Executive Committee
upon the nomination of the National Commander with full privileges, and may
be removed by the National Executive Board.
c) The Immediate Past National Commander shall be a member of the National
Executive Board with full privileges until the elected National Commander
he/she preceded steps down.
Section 3
a) All Past National Commanders prior to 1992, while in good standing in
their respective posts, shall be members of the National Executive Board for
life, with the right to vote and are delegates for life to all National
Conventions with the right to vote.
b) All Past National Commanders after 1992, while in good standing with their
respective Posts, shall be entitled to be physically present at all National
Executive Board Meetings and National Conventions.
Section 4
a) All State Department Commanders, during their tenure of office, shall be
members of the National Executive Board with the right to vote.
b) Each State Department Commander and each Post Commander shall be entitled
to a vote at the National Convention, however, no proxy shall be allowed.
Section 5
The elected members shall be members of the National Executive Board and shall
serve for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible to succeed themselves
until a successor is elected.
Section 6
Vacancies in the elected offices, occurring between National Conventions
shall be filled by the majority vote of the National Executive Board.
Section 7
The National Executive Board may appoint a National Provost Marshal and such
other officers as necessary.
Section 8
a) There shall be the following standing committees: National Welfare
Committee, National Scholarship Fund, Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and
Auditing Committee. The committees shall consist of such members of the
Ukrainian American Veterans as the National Executive Board may from time to
time determine. Appointments to such committees shall be made by the National
Executive Board. The term of office of each member of such committees shall
be two (2) years or as deemed necessary. The National Executive Board is
empowered to create such other special committees as deemed necessary.
b) The Auditing
Committee shall be appointed at the first UAV National Executive Board
meeting following the National Convention.
It shall consist of not less than three (3) people.
c) The National
Executive Board is empowered to create such other special committees as
deemed necessary.
Section 9
Any National Executive Board member or appointed National Officer removed
from office for cause, shall not be eligible to hold any National Office for
the next three (3) years.
Section 10
a) The National Executive Board shall meet within twenty-four (24) hours
after the adjournment of the National Convention in which they were elected.
b) The National Executive Board shall meet at least every three (3) months
but may hold monthly meeting if required or necessary.
c) Special meetings may be held upon reasonable notice by the National
Commander or by written request of fifty percent (50%) of the National
Executive Board.
d) Any elected National Executive Board member who fails to attend two (2)
National Executive Board meetings without acceptable excuses, shall be
automatically removed from office. The National Executive Board shall then
fulfill the vacancy for the unexpired term.
e) Only the elected National Executive Board officers, the National Adjutant
and the Immediate Past National Commander shall be reimbursed mileage and
lodging expenses as prescribed by the National Executive Board.
Section 11
Fifty percent (50%) of the members of the National Executive Board who where
duly elected by the National Convention shall constitute a quorum, including
those participating via teleconference.
Section 12
The National Commander shall appoint, subject to ratification by the National
Executive Board, a National Finance Committee to be composed of three (3)
members, who shall serve until the adjournment of the next succeeding
National Convention. The National Commander and the National Finance Officer
shall be ex-officio members of said committee. The National Finance Committee
shall be charged with the preparation of the yearly budget, and such other
duties as shall be prescribed by the National Executive Board.
Section 13
The National Executive Board shall provide for the appointment and employment
of such subordinate officers and employees as may be needed for the
administration of the affairs of the Ukrainian American Veterans and
prescribe their duties.
Section 14
All questions affecting the election eligibility and conduct of National,
State or Post officers shall be referred to and resolved by the National
Executive Board.
ARTICLE III
Duties of Officers
Section 1 - National Commander
The National Commander shall be the executive head of the Ukrainian American
Veterans, with full power to enforce the provisions of the National
Constitution, National By-Laws, and the will of the National Convention.
He/she shall be the Chairman of the National Convention, and the National
Executive Board. He/she shall appoint all necessary committees subject to the
ratification of the National Executive Board, and shall perform such other
duties as are usually incidental to the office. He/she shall be a member of
all the National Committees and may, when deemed necessary, require reports
from any and all such committees. He/she shall approve and sign all orders
drawn of the National Organization for the disbursement of money and co-sign
and countersign all contracts, documents and checks in the name of the
organization. His/her term shall be
for two (2) years.
Section 2 - National Vice-Commander
The National Vice-Commander shall act as the representative of the National
Commander on all matters referred to him/her and shall at the National
Commander's request, or in his/her absence, preside over the meetings of the
National Executive Board or National Convention. He/she shall perform such
other duties as are usually incidental to the office. The National
Vice-Commander shall, upon the death, resignation, or removal, of the
National Commander, assume the position of the National Commander for the
remainder of the term. The National Vice-Commander shall be charged with the
duty of organizing new Posts wherever and whenever possible. The National
Vice-Commander shall be the Chairman of the Membership Committee at the
National Convention. The National Vice-Commander shall investigate all
complaints against Posts and Departments, as well as make a periodical check
of any many Posts and Departments as possible for the purpose of recommending
ways and means of expanding the membership of such Posts and
Departments. His/her term shall be
for two (2) years.
Section 3 - National Adjutant
The National
Adjutant shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the National Executive
Board and of the National Convention; prepare the Minutes of the National
Convention within sixty (60) days after the closing of the Convention and
mail them out to all the Members of the National Executive Board, all of the
Post Commanders, State Commanders and Past National Commanders and anyone who
shall submit in writing a request for the Convention Minutes. Ensure that all notices are given in
writing at least thirty (30) days prior to National Executive Board Meetings
to all Post Commanders, State Commanders and Past National Commanders; and,
in general, perform all the duties incidental to the office of the National
Adjutant. His/her term shall be for
two (2) years.
Section 4 - National Finance Officer
The National Finance Officer shall be the custodian of the funds of the
National Organization, and shall make reports upon the condition of the
national treasury when called for by the National Commander. The National
Finance Officer shall furnish a surety bond as hereinafter prescribed. He/she
shall perform such other duties as are usually incidental to the office. His/her term will be for two (2) years.
Section 5 - National Judge Advocate
The National Judge Advocate shall advise the National Officers and the
National Executive Board on all legal matters, including the construction and
interpretation of the National Constitution and By-Laws and shall perform
such other duties as are usually incidental to the office. The National Judge
Advocate shall chair the Constitution and By-Laws Committee at the National
Convention. His/her term will be for
two (2) years.
Section 6 - National Chaplain/Service Officer
The National Chaplain shall perform such divine non-sectarian services as may
be necessary adhering to such ceremonial rituals as may be recommended by
National Executive Board. He/she shall formulate, promote and assist in all
matters pertaining to the welfare of all the members as a group, and
individually, whenever possible. He/she shall be the chairman of the Ritual
Committee. He/she shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to
him/her by the National Commander, as well as such duties as pertain to the
office. His/her term will be for two
(2) years.
Section 7 - National Historian
The National Historian shall collect from year to year all records and data
of value and interest for the National Headquarters of the Ukrainian American
Veterans, and shall compile during his/her term of office a complete history
of the year's activities. He/she shall also assist State Department and Post
Historians so as to coordinate and unify the work of these officials, and
shall have other duties as the National Executive Board shall prescribe. His/her term will be for two (2) years.
Section 8 - National Quartermaster
The National Quartermaster shall be in possession and control of all of the
national regulation supplies, trophies, uniforms and flags and equipment.
He/she shall be the individual to whom all requisitions for regulation
supplies, trophies, uniforms, flags and equipment must be directed by the
State Departments, Posts or individual members of the National Organization.
He/she shall devise, formulate, and design such items as may be required from
time to time and submit the changes therefore, to the National Convention for
its approval and consent. He/she shall have sketches of official placement of
insignias. He/she shall present inventory of all properties at the National
Convention. His/her term will be for
two (2) years.
Section 9 - National Welfare Officer
The National Welfare Officer is responsible for the administration and
supervision of the welfare fund. He/she shall keep the fund in a separate
bank account and shall keep a financial record of all financial transactions.
He/she shall submit written financial reports to the National Executive Board
and a yearly report to the National Convention. The Welfare Officer shall
review all claims submitted by Post Commanders and take the necessary steps
as specified in the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Welfare Fund.
His/her term shall be for four (4) years.
His/her term will be for two (2) years.
Section 10 - National Scholarship Officer
The National Scholarship Officer is responsible for the administration and
supervision of the National Scholarship Fund. He/she shall keep the fund in a
separate bank account and shall keep a financial record of all financial
transactions. He/she shall submit written financial reports of the National
Executive Board and a yearly written report to the National Convention. The
Scholarship Officer shall review all applications submitted by students and
take the necessary steps as specified in the Constitution and By-Laws of the
National Scholarship Fund. His/her
term will be for two (2) years.
Section 11 - National Public Relations/Publications Officer
The National Public Relations/Publications Officer shall perform such duties
as to develop favorable relations with the general public through the
publication of information in the mass media regarding the activities of the
Ukrainian American Veteran membership. He/she will attempt to create
favorable public opinion. He/she shall inform the Ukrainians American
Veterans of activities within the organization through the publishing of the
National Newsletter "The UAV Tribune" on a quarterly basis and shall
perform such other duties as are incidental to the office. His/her term will be for two (2) years.
Section 12 – National
Webmaster
The National Webmaster
shall be responsible for the maintaining and updating the official UAV
Website. This includes but is not
limited to: Assuring that we are
registered with the domain name www.uavets.org
; assuring that we keep our contract with our chose Internet provider active;
posting of UAV and/or Ukrainian related material to the website; assuring
that all material posted to the website conforms to the integrity/correctness
of the Ukrainian American Veterans (Any questions on integrity/correctness
are to be discussed with the National Commander and if necessary with the
Executive Board.); resolution of any and all technical problems associated
with the website; responsible for the design or the website; and assure that
any graphics or other work (pages, coding, etc.) and associated costs created
for the website not performed by the UAV Webmaster are to be approved by the
Executive Board prior to its creation; and shall perform such other duties as
are incidental to the office. His/her
term shall be for two (2) years.
Section 13 - National Provost Marshal
The National Provost Marshal shall be responsible for maintaining order,
preserving property and checking the facilities for safety at all National
Conventions, meetings of the National Executive Board and such other duties
as are assigned to him/her by the National Commander and as usually pertain
to the office. His/her term will be
for two (2) years.
ARTICLE IV
Uniforms
Section 1
The National Commander and all Past National Commanders shall wear gold crown
and gold peak caps.
Section 2
Members of the elected National Executive Board shall wear royal blue crown
and gold peak caps during their term in office.
Section 3
State Department members shall wear white crown and white peak caps with blue
letters and blue border trim during their term in office.
Section 4
All members of the Ukrainian American Veterans shall wear a royal blue crown
and royal blue peak cap, except when in office as noted above.
Section 5
a) Veteran cap, white shirt with navy blue tie, gray trousers/skirts, navy
blue blazer with brass buttons and UAV emblem on the lapel pocket, is the
official uniform of the Ukrainian American Veterans.
b) The option of wearing an embroidered shirt is at the discretion of the
Post for Post activities.
c) The option of a hot weather uniform consisting of
veterans cap, short sleeved white shirt with the American flag patch on the
left shoulder and the UAV Crest on the right shoulder, and gray
trousers/skirts is at the discretion of the Post for Post activities.
Veteran cap, navy blue tie and UAV emblem to be purchased from Quartermaster
only, to ensure uniformity of color and look.
ARTICLE V - Membership
Section 1
Application: Any person eligible for and desiring
membership in the Ukrainian American Veterans shall fill out and sign an
application form in triplicate and attach a copy of Form DD-214 or equivalent. Such application shall be signed by the
member recommending the applicant and by the Post Commander after
acceptance. The Adjutant of the Post
to which application is made must retain the original in the Post files, and
send one copy to the Department of said Post and to the National
Adjutant. The National Organization
is to provide all membership application forms.
.
Section 2
Initiation: All persons applying for membership after being accepted and
paying the requisite fees and dues must be initiated into the Post sponsoring
him/her in the manner, form and style prescribed in the Rituals.
Section 3
Membership Cards: There shall be but one form of membership card, which shall
be prescribed by the National Executive Board.
Section 4
No person shall be a member of more than one Post of the Ukrainian American
Veterans at the same time.
Section 5
No member who has been expelled by a Post shall be admitted to membership in
another Post without the consent of the expelling Post, except where such
consent has been sought and denied, said person may then appeal to the
Executive Board of the Department of the expelling Post for such consent and
shall be ineligible for membership until such consent is granted.
Section 6
Any member expelled from a Post may appeal in writing from such expulsion to
the Executive Board of the Department of said Post and if appeal is denied
such person may then appeal, in writing, to the National Executive Board,
whose decision shall be final.
Section 7
Any member in good standing in his/her respective Post who is called back
into the Armed Services of the United States or who has voluntarily entered
said Armed Services, shall be considered as a member in service of good
standing with his/her Post and The Ukrainian American Veterans without
payment of dues. Such members in service shall pay the current dues within
six (6) months after being honorably discharged or honorably separated from
said Armed Forces in order to reactivate his/her membership.
Section 8
Any member in good standing in a Post may transfer to another Post, and shall
be entitled to a certificate from his/her Post stating his/her membership and
the duration thereof.
Section 9
Any Post of the Ukrainian American Veterans is permitted to have social
members, who shall be those persons who do not qualify for membership under
this Constitution and By-Laws. Such persons may not become members of the
Ukrainian American Veterans nor be eligible for or to any rights or benefits
thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
Rules of Procedure
For Discipline of Members
Section 1 - Priority
a) Each Post shall be the judge of its own members’ disciplinary action
subject to the provisions of the National Constitution and By-Laws.
b) Charges between members of different Posts within a given state may be
heard by the State Department Executive Board. The State Department shall
handle the matter of discipline of its own officers.
c) Charges between members of different Posts in different states shall be
heard by the National Executive Board. The National Executive Board shall
handle the matter of discipline of its own officers.
d) No member or officer shall be disciplined until given a fair trial as
outlined in Section 2. All echelons (Post, State and National) shall conduct
judicial hearing as outlined under Section 2.
Section 2 - Judicial Procedure
Members may be censured, reprimanded or expelled from the Ukrainian American
Veterans only upon a proper showing of due cause. Charges shall be based upon
disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, or conduct unbecoming a member of
the organization. All charges must be made under oath and in writing. No member
shall lose his/her membership until given a fair trail in the following form
within the Post echelon:
a) Written charges shall be filed under oath with the echelon Executive
Board. b) The Executive Board shall appoint a committee of not less than five
(5) members, mutually agreed to by both parties, to hear and determine and
report back to the Executive Board. The hearing will be recorded and the
echelon Commander shall be the presiding officer.
c) A copy of the formal charges shall be served on the accused at least
thirty (30) days prior to the hearing.
d) The echelon Judge Advocate shall prosecute the charges
e) The accused shall be confronted by his/her accuser who shall testify under
oath.
f) The accused may be represented by counsel.
g) The committee referred to in paragraph “b” hereof shall render a decision
of “for cause” or “no cause”, which decision shall be submitted to the
echelon Executive Board. The Executive Board, in the event of a decision of
“for cause” shall censure, suspend, or expel the accused member; an officer
may be removed from office.
h) In the event an echelon Commander or Judge Advocate is the subject of
charges, the Senior Vice Commander (or the next ranking Executive Officer)
shall take his/her place in judicial proceeding outlined in Section 2.
Section 3 - Right of Appeal
The committee referred to in Section 2 (b) hereof shall render a decision of
"for cause" or "no cause", which decision shall be
submitted to the Executive Board. The Executive Board in the event of a
decision of "for cause" shall censure, suspend or expel the accused
member.
a) Members (both accuser and accused) shall have the right to appeal all
decision to higher echelons. The ascending order of judicial appeal will be
as follows:
1. Post Executive Board
2. State Department Executive Board
3. State Department Convention
4. National Executive Board
5. National Convention
b) Members have the right to appeal to high or the highest level.
c) All appeals shall employ procedures outlined under Section 2.
d) Judicial decisions made at the National Convention shall be final.
Section 4
All actions of the Post Executive Board must be forwarded to all higher
echelons and the records of trail be forwarded to the National Judge Advocate
for review.
Section 5
Such decisions may be affirmed, modified or set aside by the National
Executive Board on the recommendation of the National Judge Advocate and
notice of said action shall be sent to all lower echelons.
Section 6
An appeal from a decision of "for cause" must be presented to the
National Executive Board in writing within sixty (60) days from the date of
the findings of the fact.
Section 7
The National Executive Board shall have the power and right to require
witnesses, additional testimony and evidence to assist it in arriving at a
decision.
Section 8
The National Executive Board shall handle the matter of discipline of its own
officers and State Department Commanders. Persons subject to such
disciplinary action may appeal to the next National Convention.
ARTICLE VII
Rules of Procedure For Discipline of Posts
Section 1
In the event that a member Post shall withdraw from the Ukrainian American
Veterans and subsequently requests re-admittance into the National
Organization, said Post must submit an application for re-admission in
writing together with a per capita tax based on membership either as of the
time of withdrawal, or time of application for reinstatement, whichever is
greater. Said Post may then be represented at the next following National
Convention without vote and without the power to run any of its delegation
for national office. Upon approval or re-admission by the convention body,
said Post will be reinstated, PROVIDED that their convention delegation shall
have no vote or the power to run any of its delegation for national office at
that, or the next following National Convention.
Section 2
The requirements of Section 1 hereof shall be applicable in all situations,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if a Post upon application for re-admission is able
to show good cause for its prior withdrawal, and said cause has been
investigated and substantiated by the National Executive Board, the
Convention body shall have the discretion to remit or suspend the aforesaid
penalties in whole or in part.
Section 3
It is further provided that any Post, or majority of members thereof, may at
any time formally petition the National Executive Board in writing for an
inactive status not to exceed the period of two (2) years, and if application
for reinstatement is made before the expiration of that period, reinstatement
shall be automatic and without penalty by the approval of the National
Executive Board.
ARTICLE VIII
Inactive Posts
Section 1
Upon recommendation from the National Executive Board, the National
Convention may place a Post on "Inactive Status" when less than
five (5) members remain on its roll or when the Post does not register and
send per capita dues to the National Finance Officer for one (1) year.
Section 2
An Inactive Post shall in no manner hold itself out in its local community as
an active Ukrainian American Veterans Post affiliated with the National
Organization.
Section 3
With respect to the provisions of this Article, the National Executive Board
shall take steps when circumstances demand to protect the integrity of the
National Organization.
Section 4
Any National Executive Board action taken against a Post under this Article
may be appealed by the Post at the next National Convention.
Section 5
An Inactive Post shall not be any factor in determining a quorum at a
National Convention.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
Section 1
These By-Laws may be amended at any National Convention by a vote of
two-thirds (2/3) of the total authorized delegates present and voting,
PROVIDED a quorum is present.
Section 2
A Post or State Department must submit their proposed amendments to the
National Judge Advocate at least sixty (60) days before the National
Convention. The National Judge Advocate shall prepare and present to the
Constitution and By-Laws Committee of the National Convention such
recommendations made by Post and State Commanders for discussion, and if
merited, presentation before the delegates of the National Convention for a
vote.
Section 3
A proposed amendment submitted by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee to
the Convention shall require a majority vote of the delegates present for
adoption.
ARTICLE X
Parliamentary Procedure
Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised 1990 - 9th Edition, shall be the final
authority in any case not covered either in the Constitution or the By-Laws.
2004 reprinting - includes all changes and revisions up to and including the September
18, 2004 57th Annual National Convention of the Ukrainian American Veterans
held in Boston, MA..
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