Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) Post 23 was founded in 1978, and it is located in Buffalo, NY. William Drabyk was the first Post Commander.
Post 23 Founding
A meeting to establish a Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) Post in Buffalo, New York convened under the direction and leadership of William Drabyk. Charter members were Miroslaus “Mark” Malaniak, Michael Kinal, Michael Blendonohy, Ivan Makuch, and John Kicak. The meeting was held on 12 May 1978 at St. Basil’s Church Hall, in Lancaster, N.Y.
The UAV National Headquarters officially presented the Charter of Ukrainian American Veterans Post 23 in May 1978.
The first slate of officers under the command of William Drabyk were Vice Commander John Kicak, Adjutant Miroslaus Malaniak, Finance Officer Julian Konotopsky, Judge Advocate Andrew Diakun and Chaplain Eugene Pivovarnik.
Commander Drabyk left New York state due to a change in employment, and Miroslaus Malaniak was elected Post Commander on 23 June 1979. Commander Malaniak held this office until 26 March 1986, when Michael Liskiewicz assumed command.
Post 23 Headquarters
The post does not have a permanent headquarters, but it has conducted meetings at St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian Home, Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, and presently at the Joseph Hriczko VFW Post 6245.
VFW Joseph Hriczko Post 6245
29 Clemo St
Buffalo, NY 14206
Phone: 716-449-8794
Post 23 Patron Wolodymyr Holynskyj
On 14 November 1982 contact was made with Mrs. Julia (nee Holynskyj) Kapitanec to obtain permission to use the name of her brother, Wolodymyr Holynskyj, as the namesake for our post. Corporal Holynskyj was a Ukrainian immigrant who had served in the United States Army and gave his life in the Korean conflict.
A ceremony in honor of Wolodymyr Holynskyj and dedication of Post Colors was held on 24 September 1983. Mr. George Palmer, a well known artist in the area was commissioned to paint an oil portrait of Corporal Holynskyj for our post.
Projects and Activities
Since its inception, UAV Wolodymyr Holynskyj Post 23 took part in numerous Ukrainian American activities. These activities include
- annual Ukrainian Independence Day celebration held in January and August
- 20th anniversary of the consecration and dedication of the Taras Shevchenko Monument and anti-Russification rally held on 17 March 1985 in Washington, DC
- celebration of the Millennium of Ukrainian Christianity in 1988, memorial ceremonies held at the Vietnam monument in Buffalo, NY
- 45th anniversary of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)
- “Vinok” Beamsville Ukrainian Festival in Canada
- Ukrainian American Veterans Memorial Day services
- various other veteran celebrations and activities.
Contact
The current Post 23 Commander is Markian Slabyk.
Markian Slabyk
25 Stearns Ave
Buffalo, NY 14218-2703
716-822-3643
mslabyk@verizon.net