Updates

Let's start with some "thank-yous":

The 632nd Anti-Aircraft battalion appreciates the CATs you supplied.

You responded with amazing support during the Pokrovsk emergency fundraiser and provided the 82nd with the tools they needed for their new shop.

And lastly, the 43rd Artillery love the Starlink you bought them. For those eagle-eyed among you, yes, they are wearing Bundeswehr shirts sourced and donated by our own Arcaist!

UGV naming

We had a few ideas last week for the UGV name. Post your choice of the names listed below in your comment and we will send the winner to the 79th!

Slava Ukraini
Leeloo
Two for Tuesday
Borscht Express

$2 Tuesday

This week's $2 Tuesday pack features a patch that many of us wish to come true; a fitting end of the vicious, brutal tyrant that began this war. As a foil to his evil, we have a patch from the International Legion representing the many soldiers that have traveled to Ukraine to defend it. And, of course, we have a hand-knitted keychain from Arcaist's mother, complete with ladybugs.

$5 pack

The 249th Battalion of the 127th Brigade, based in Kharkiv, signed their flag in thanks, as well as providing their unit patch and a tryzub patch. If you remember, the 127th was involved in the vehicle -> quad exchange with the 101st, and you also provided them with powerbanks and CATs.

In closing:

1 October is Defenders Day in Ukraine, equivalent to Memorial Day in the USA. This day honors those who have served Ukraine in its armed forces and remembers those who have died protecting the lives and sovereignty of Ukrainians.

These are not people who invade other lands seeking wealth, fame, or domination; these are ordinary Ukrainians defending their people.

These are not people attempting to expand an dying, crumbling empire or inflict their idea of cultural superiority on their neighbors; these are regular Ukrainians attempting to prevent their people from being consumed by said empire.

My Kharkivite friend told me about "iziumynka" (ізюминка). This refers to a person or thing's special quality, a defining characteristic or a deep spark that is the spark that makes it special. When I think of Ukrainians (which is all too often), I think that an indomitable will is their common ізюминка. Their absolute refusal to break, their deep roots in the black soil of Ukraine, and their pride in their culture and heritage are why russia will not win.

I have to remind myself to keep their sacrifice in mind, though. Do not romanticize their actions, do not glorify war and death. As J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in his epic,

"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."

-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.

30 September UFL raffle День захисників і захисниць України

Day of Ukrainian Defenders