Hear ye, hear ye!

We've taken the unusual step of setting a public goal this week. UFL's adopted GUR team needs about $2k more for a vehicle, and the 82nd has their last payment of $1760 due.

Therefore, Robin has requested that Arcaist open his uber special stash and put on a "big ol'" raffle to close out this round of vehicle appropriations! Arcaist has responded by breaking out a huge collection of stuff that Pedro from the 25th Brigade sent as a "thank you" for all of your support.

Let's see how close we can get to funding these vehicles! Y'all being y'all, we know this raffle might surpass the goal. If it does, any funds beyond the vehicle costs will be used to re-equip an American soldier returning to fight in Ukraine (~$800). While that sort of thing is normally outside of our standard practice, this particular soldier is an OG, well-known to UFL and well-respected in Ukraine. If there's still more left after that, we'll start loading up Robin for her August delivery run!

Updates

Surprisingly, we didn't get any photo updates this week. Unfortunately, Arcaist did get learn that his contact with the Pomsta Brigade (here and here) died from his injuries.

The constant losses of friends takes its toll on us, both mentally and physically. I can't even imagine what it's like for Ukrainian families, living with the war and having your loved ones killed or maimed every day.

$2 TACO Tuesday

To whet your appetite, we start with an eclectic mix from the 25th: their unit patch, an air freshener, a sticker sheet, and a beautiful tryzub patch.

$5 Flag pack

The $5 pack this week stars a signed flag from the 25th. Along with it, we have a 25th patch, a coffee mug (just one), and a silicone bracelet.

$10 Shot glass pack

The big kahuna this week is a set of shot glasses made from 40mm grenade casings (I was gifted a similar set and they are awesome). Additionally, the 25th sent a sweatshirt (size L-ish) and their unit patch to go with a motanka. Lastly, we have a tryzub patch, a Helldivers 2 patch (one of the 25th guys has to be a gamer) that riffs on Blackbeard's Flag (you wouldn't believe how many guys fighting in Ukraine have that tattoo), and a patch about a Mini Shark recon UAS.

In closing:

This is the Independence Square of Khmelnitskyi, which I visited last month. Like nearly every city in Ukraine, pictures of killed or missing soldiers feature prominently in the public space. This week's news from Pomsta Brigade may strike UFL directly, but it is something that Ukraine has to deal with every single day.

Last week many of you shared your stories of how you came to support Ukraine. Thank you - we at UFL loved reading them. This week, though, I ask you to consider what this war means for the future of Ukraine. I have no doubt that Ukraine will win, but how will this war affect Ukrainians (and us all) in the decades to come?

Of course none of us knows the future, but I have my opinions based on the Ukrainians I know; I think the future looks bright for our Ukrainians, the Shield of Europe.

-Scott

Don't forget:

Givebutter may limit ticket purchases to 10 at a time, but as many of you know, you can always buy additional ticket packs without limit.

UFL has amazing art here if you haven't seen it yet!

And please note that although the event description mentions a livestream, there will be none. And while we do deeply appreciate those of you who choose to donate as well as buying raffle tickets, we want to make it clear that donations are not required to enter the raffle.

12 May "big ol'" UFL raffle

Vehicles. Again with the vehicles!