Thank you!

The vehicle fundraiser for the 101st/127th was a resounding success thanks to you all.

And, just like the Ukrainian defenders we support, we're back at it this week. It was a slow week for delivery updates, but we did receive a couple:

The 214th (OPFOR) received two portable monitors to support their work, as did the 17th Special Forces Centre.

$2 Tuesday

In an attempt to take the load off Arcaist, Robin dug into her own stash of Ukrainian goodies. I will turn over the description duties to her.

Robin here!

The two frames feature hand-embroidered scenes from the Ukrainian countryside in two seasons: birches in winter and ... okay, I don't know those trees in fall. They were gifted to a friend of my mom's by a Ukrainian student here on an exchange program about 30 years ago. Mom's friend gave them to my mom, and Mom gave them to me. Now I'm hoping they'll raise a bit of money to protect their homeland.

The other item is wooden puzzle from UGEARS, a Ukrainian company which makes delightful wooden mechanical models. This one depicts Ukraine battering the stupid russian two-headed chicken.

I have a couple of these puzzles. They're great fun to put together and play with.

$5 pack

The 182nd Battalion of the 122nd Territorial Defense Brigade signed this flag to me, but it was because of y'all. A few months ago, you bought them the night vision monocular they needed to be safer and more effective on night ops in Kursk.

We also have patches from the 21st Special Purpose Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade and the 633rd Separate Anti-Aircraft Battalion. We got about a dozen patches from the kind people through whom we support the 182nd/122nd; you'll see them in future raffles. Scott chose these two because, quote, "they are unique and not Brigade-level chevrons." I like that.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I'M ENTERING THIS RAFFLE.

I have a strict policy of never entering our raffles, no matter how cool I think the item is. I'm breaking that policy for this one. That flag has my name on it. Literally. Twice. I'm Робін. I'm very touched that they did that, so I'm entering the raffle myself in hopes that I'll get to keep it. I'll post my ticket numbers in the sidebar so you can see them. We're having a third party draw the winners this week, too.

If I do win, the patches are going right back into the raffle pot, so you'll have another shot at those!

Oliver Griffin Giraffino McFartytonpants is not part of a raffle package. He is my little buddy and he stays with me. I just thought you might like this outtake from the flag photoshoot. Look at those big mooshable cheeks.

In closing:

Robin and I have been discussing this section of the weekly raffle; our goal is to share our Ukrainian experiences with you to connect you to the people you support every week and to share our perspectives. We hope this is valuable (or at least tolerable) for you.

Moving on...I was out of service last week because my buddy from Kharkiv was visiting me! We had a wonderful time showing her around Colorado, and I wanted to share some things I learned from her over the next few raffles.

One of the most heart-breaking things she told me is that during her visit she was finally able to truly sleep. She didn't wake up multiple times each night, worried about sounds that would indicate an incoming missile or drone attack; she finally felt safe enough to let her guard down. If any of you work as or know any first responders, you know how damaging it is to a person to constantly be on "yellow alert"; I speak from personal experience how important it is to actually relax. Unfortunately, most Ukrainians don't have that luxury.

It was so sad to see my buddy quickly look up at the sky when she heard light planes flying overhead, thinking that they were russian drones. Even passenger jets caused her some concern stemming from the early days of the war when russian planes were dropping bombs on Kharkiv as they advanced to the city.

Regardless, she exemplified the grace, resilience, and spirit of Ukrainians that has captured our souls. Thank you for protecting my friends. Thank you all for support the people we love.

-Scott

Please note

Though 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.

16 September UFL raffle

The war continues to destroy and you continue to protect.