Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) Post 25 was founded in January, 1988.
Meetings
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 19:00 at the Ukrainian National Home, 477 Jeremiah Avenue, Trenton, NJ. No meetings are held during the summer months.
Founding
On October 16, 1987, a meeting of veterans was called by Orest J. Senyk at the Ukrainian National Home of Trenton. The veterans voted unanimously to form a Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) Post and elected Mr. Senyk as the first Commander.
A Charter for Ukrainian American Veterans Post 25 of Trenton, NJ was granted by the UAV National Executive Board and presented ceremoniously by National Commander Atanas T. Kobryn in January 1988.
The organization of Post 25 was recognized in a Resolution by the New Jersey State Senate, sponsored by State Senator Francis J. McManimon. Letters of recognition were also received from United States Senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Chris Smith, New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, Mercer County Executive Bill Mathesius, and mayors of local communities.
The Post members chose the Ukrainian National Home of Trenton as its Headquarters. Several Post 25 members are also officers of the Ukrainian National Home, and are active in the continual renovation and maintenance of the property.
Post 25 Patron Alexander Plishchuk
Alexander Plishchuk (1929-1983) was a veteran who was exposed to radiation from military nuclear tests during his service. This led to his development of cancer and untimely death. Despite his worsening illness, he unselfishly devoted his time to the Ukrainian community and the local Ukrainian Youth Association. For these reasons, members elected Mr. Plishchuk as honorary patron of Post 25 in 1988.
Events and Projects
During 1988, members of Post 25 participated in local and national celebrations of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine. The Trenton area Millennium Committee erected a Tryzub (trident) monument for the Millennium in Hamilton Veterans Park. Post 25 became a sponsoring member of the Monument and contributed $500 toward the project.
Members of the Post are active in the local Ukrainian Community, and the Post spearheaded the drive to establish a community fund for RUKH, later called the “Fund to Aid Ukraine.”
In April 1989, Post 25 became a member of the Mercer County Veterans Council (MCVC), an umbrella organization composed of all of the veteran posts in Mercer County, NJ. John Tymash became the first Ukrainian veteran to become Commander of Mercer County Veterans Council. Through this Council, Post 25 participates in local Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, and other patriotic services. Members place flags at the graves of deceased veterans at Riverview Cemetery in Trenton. Post 25 members have served as officers of the MCVC. In 1993, the Ukrainian American Veterans organization was honored by the MCVC.
Also in 1989, the post became a sponsor of a local youth soccer team. The “Ukrainian American” team competed with others for the Mercer County championship. The team was sponsored in subsequent years.
During the Persian Gulf War, two Post 25 members were called to duty in the Operation Desert Storm: Sgt. Roman A. Leskiw, US Marine Corps, and Staff Sgt. Gregory “Hrytsko” Pylypiak, US Army reserve. The Post members kept in touch with them through cards and letters. Parishioners of the local Ukrainian churches remembered them in their prayers.
For social activities, the Post sponsors picnics, Christmas parties, Atlantic City bus trips, and dances.
In 1992, State Senator John Dimon sponsored a State Senate Resolution that recognized the dates of August 24 as Ukrainian Independence Day and October 10 as Ukrainian American Veterans Day in New Jersey. Both dates are commemorated annually by the Post. We mourn the passing of Post 25 Commander John Tymash. Mr. Tymash had been the Commander for 12 years.
Contact
Gregory Posewa
g.po@aol.com