After Russia invaded, many Ukrainians became soldiers in a volunteer army. This army was desperately in need of equipment.
Spirit of America is a Virginia non-profit that works with the U.S. military in order to provide non-lethal assistance to military partners. It is the only charity that has been approved by the Pentagon.
Colleen Denny, who coordinates the aid in Poland, said that she saw photos of 18-year-olds with their skateboarding elbow and knee pads on and that they are willing to go.
Terrell Chandler is also working with Denny and said that the gear is “endlessly needed”.
Chandler stated to CBS News that “it’s thousands and even thousands of people who are asking, all civilians that have joined fighting, you know become soldiers overnight,” Chandler said. “They want this gear to be a success.”
Chandler stated that body armor and helmets are most needed.
The gear is stored in a Virginia Beach warehouse before it travels to Ukraine. Protective body armor, first aid kits and other items are all packed in boxes and filled into every seat on a Boeing 767 flying to the region.
“You won’t find anyone else where an airplane leaves the United States, and the warriors have that gear on their bodies in that same day,” Wayne Zinn (Spirit of America’s chief of International Operations), told CBS News.
The assistance totals $7.2 million.
Spirit of America was founded in 2003 and has been active in over 90 countries. Every member of the field team is a veteran.
Denny stated, “This is our way of, to support those still wearing the uniform for U.S. Military.” “So even though our uniforms are no longer worn, we can still support those who do.”