З Днем Незалежності, Україно! Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

Ukraine celebrated their 34th Independence Day on Sunday. 34 years ago Ukraine broke free from the smothering stench of the Soviet Union and this weekend they are still fighting for their Independence.

This time, however, Ukrainians are not relying on fickle foreign powers to protect them; they are tenaciously defending their family, their culture, and their right to decide how they want to live and what they want to become.

We at UFL are immensely proud to support the defenders of that Ukrainian spirit and we honestly thank you every week that you all enable that support!

Our weekly update:

The 17th received their IFAKs and hemostatic spray, and our medic in the Khyzhak Brigade thanks you for their water filter straws, litters, heating blankets and heater packs. More units have received deliveries, but we don't yet have photos to share.

$2 TACO Tuesday

Two more weeks. I swear, we will change the TACO Tuesday monitor in two weeks. Well, maybe more...

Removing my tongue from my cheek, Arcaist offered up another good batch of loot this week.

The winner of the $2 ticket this week will get a ball cap with embroidered tryzub and a matching shot glass. Just to spice things up, you can use this rank tab from a captured russian Lieutenant however you wish - perhaps you need more toilet paper or something for target practice? Lastly, a tote bag bearing the famous Snake Island stamp image can carry all your swag!

Funny story here...while visiting my friend in Odesa last year, we saw a banner that had the unedited version of the Snake Island response printed on it. When she asked me if I could read it, I did. Out loud. In public. Based on her gasp and wide eyes, actually saying this aloud was quite shocking, especially in the presence of a lady. 😂

$5 pack

The 21st Mechanized Brigade sent this signed flag and unit patch in thanks of your past support. Additionally, the winner of this pack will get their own tote bag and fridge magnet.

In closing:

I try to share my experiences with Ukraine, its people, and how they affect me as an American. I hope you find it at least slightly interesting and helps connect you in some way with the cause that all of us in UFL have passionately embraced.

Last month, while visiting my buddy in Kyiv, she told me that she wanted to attend the demonstration at the Ukrainian Parliament showing dissatisfaction with the anti-corruption legislation. Of course, I agreed to support her and went with her; it was an amazing experience.

This was a country, a people, that had literally died throwing off the vestiges of corrupt russian influence in the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. I was able to observe this large group of people (predominately young) engaging in the essence of democracy. They were actively and directly taking action to influence their government.

They saw something that they saw as undemocratic and pushed back, peacefully, striving to move their country closer to the ideals of the West and away from tyranny and corruption. All of us should be proud of them and inspired to do the same in our own governments.

From Robin, who could talk about the Revolution of Dignity ad infinitum et ad nauseum:

I often think of a phrase a friend uses to describe situations in which emergencies compete for our attention: "Put out the fire. Then renovate the house."

I was pleased and excited, but not at all surprised, when Ukrainians pushed back against governmental action they viewed as corrupt even in the midst of a war for their very existence. The reaction in the West made me laugh. Y'all were so surprised! Why? Haven't you figured out yet that Ukrainians can put out the fire and renovate the house at the same time?

As always, thank you so much for your support of the Ukrainian people and their defenders.

-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.

26 August UFL raffle - we're back again.

Like the Ukrainians who inspire us, we're not giving up.