Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was able to help yet another group of hero volunteers in Ukraine. The International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine is a medical military unit of the Armed Forces that includes volunteers from Ukraine and over 50 other countries. It was formed on February 27, 2022, just three days after the russian invasion began.

The medical service of the Legion began its work in March 2022. The team of combat medics operates at the frontlines and provides urgently needed medical care in the active combat zones. At the beginning of the war, the team consisted of just five volunteers, had insufficient equipment, and ineffective evacuation vehicles. Today, they are one of the best-equipped medical units of well-trained medical professionals, and instructors. They provide critical life-saving emergency care to wounded warriors and train soldiers in first aid. Their heroic work is essential. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA sent an ambulance and special medical boxes/coolers that keep blood at a specific temperature during transportation to the front lines.

In the words of the International Legion Medical Service personnel:

“Thousands of wounded have already received help from the medical service, many of them in critical condition. However, saving a human life is a difficult task that might not be possible without special equipment.” Equipment generously provided by numerous donors helps to save lives every day. “Perhaps it was you who provided the tourniquet or the hemostatic gauze that saved a man, or the stretcher that helped to carry him out from the battlefield. Did you send over the refrigerated boxes that preserved the blood, the infusion heater that warmed it, the Ecoflow, or the generator that powered this heater? Did the ambulance that brought him to the hospital come from you, or was it repaired thanks to your donation? Perhaps you provided the equipment, medications, and consumables that helped stabilize him. Or maybe your donation provided training equipment for the medics to practice their skills that will save another man's life.”

“Through our joint efforts, energy, and will to win, we not only rescue soldiers but also protect families and save the future of Ukraine,” say heroes of The International Legion. Thank you, UOC of the USA, for your continuous support and prayers!