Learning about war.
This is the article I wrote for our local newspaper, White County News, that was published today.
“What do I know about war? I’m just a girl from Georgia.”, the thought on repeat in my mind as Matt down-shifted our 6-speed humanitarian aid van.
Up ahead was a road blockade: large caltrops wrapped in barbed wire, men armed to the teeth, some smoking cigarettes, a blue and yellow Ukrainian flag blowing proudly in the wind.
Matt slowed down the van to a near crawl and we were waved through, a nod exchanged between Matt and one of the young soldiers as we passed.
Letting out a sigh, I leaned back in the seat and mused to myself, “I may not know much about war, but I am learning. Quickly.”
For my husband, Matt, and I, the call to help the people of Ukraine is providential. Like so many folks, we were profoundly moved by Russia’s unprovoked attack of Ukraine in February and, heeding this calling, founded a small volunteer group, The Bridge Collective International, to help Ukrainian refugees and those forced into displacement by this war.
Our small team went to Lublin, Poland (a town close to the Ukrainian border), in April, and over the course of 3 weeks administered over $30,000 of humanitarian aid to refugees and tactical aid to soldiers. I returned to Lublin June 5th to continue our efforts, and was joined by Matt at month’s end.
It had long been our desire to go into Ukraine, but the current environment makes passage into the country challenging. Thankfully, with the help of our Ukrainian friend, Pastor Igor Buben, we secured the necessary paperwork, and on June 29th Matt and I loaded a van full of supplies and began our journey into Ukraine.
For Matt, going into a Ukraine was business as usual. As a Combat Marine Veteran whose civilian career in the Defense and Intelligence field has sent him on deployments into hostile territory, he is quite accustomed to the realities of war. What made this situation uniquely different, however, was my presence.
A Georgia gal born and raised, I traded in my corporate career to teach yoga a few years. So, you can imagine on the list of, “Things I Never Thought We’d Do”, helping Matt navigate the streets of a nation actively in war was never on my radar.
But there we were. Driving the pastoral roads of Ukraine, just the two of us. Headed deeper into the heart of a country fighting for it’s freedom.
The purpose of our visit to Ukraine was to meet our main contact with the local volunteer group, The Ukrainian Dream. TUD coordinates a massive supply effort for the Territorial Defense Force and Ukrainian military. Our team has been supporting TUD’s efforts since March and this would be the first time we could meet in person.
Arriving mid-afternoon to TUD headquarters, we were welcomed as if we had arrived to Grandma’s house for the holidays: countless bear hugs, smiles, laughter, and ensuring we had something to eat and drink! The sincere excitement and appreciation of our arrival was humbling and bolstered our desire to help even more.
Over the next three days, Matt and I were given unfettered access to TUD’s operations and learned first-hand how they provide supplies to soldiers on the front lines through their four aid programs: Equipment; Food; Tactical Medicine and Trauma Aid; and Uniforms and Clothing. These programs supplement the needs of soldiers on the frontline. Unlike our U.S. military, many of the recipients of this aid are volunteers who arrive ready to fight, but ill-equipped with basic needs like uniforms, boots, packs, field-ready food, or medicine.
We learned how supply needs are communicated via a network of volunteers throughout Ukraine and direct relationships with soldiers on the front lines. Requests for support range from small items like individual first aid kits (IFAKs), to higher-dollar items like night vision goggles. All requests are logged and processed using inventory on hand for fulfillment or held for discussion if items need to be purchased.
TUD operates solely on donations, both financially and operationally, so great consideration is given prior to funds being used. As a general rule of thumb, if an item can be made, it is, saving funding for items that cannot be made. For example, instead of purchasing IFAKs at $65/each, local volunteers made IFAKs out of old denim and recycled upholstery from a sofa, using the cost savings to fulfill other needs. This level of consideration is given to every dollar donated to ensure it is maximized fully, with nothing going to waste.
The efficiency of TUD is remarkable and even more commendable because it is 100% volunteer-based. There are no high-priced consultants or C-suite figures running the show. Just ordinary people, like you and me, volunteering their time and talents to help in the fight for their freedom.
Another interesting fact about TUD, and most volunteer groups in Ukraine, is it is comprised predominantly of women because most men are away fighting. We watched in awe as women, ranging in age from 20 to 80, packed hundreds of individual MREs; coordinated distribution of armored plate carriers to soldiers; and smartly debated which uniforms are the best quality.
There are a few male volunteers, like our main contact, Dima, who explained the historical and societal complexities facing Ukraine, and a 70-something man known as “Grandpa” who drives supplies to the places on the front lines where no civilian treads.
We shook hands with other locals who offered whatever they could during this unprecedented time of need: nearby farmers who donated jars of canned food; retired grandmothers and aunts knitting socks; a local Professor who converted his collegiate lecture hall into a make-shift factory. Everyday people, doing extraordinary things.
And that is why we were in Ukraine: to witness these incredible efforts so we could return home and tell you about them.
We want you to know the people of Ukraine are like us – they want a roof over their heads and food on the table, and will fight with every last breath until freedom is theirs.
They are the underdog, of course. David against a real Goliath. But everyday ordinary people, step up to fight. Like me, they may not know much about war, but they are learning. And they are making a difference.
Let’s continue to support them in this time of need.
