Spirit of America recently conducted a second round of support for the US-led training mission in western Ukraine. As we shared with you before, the US Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade is providing critical training to their counterparts. The 173rd is the Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to Europe, Africa and Central Commands’ areas of responsibility within 18 hours. The Brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build stronger relationships and strengthen the alliance.

The training being conducted in western Ukraine, known as Exercise Fearless Guardian, strengthens the partnership between America and one of its key partners in Eastern Europe. Additionally, it will help Ukrainian soldiers in their efforts to restore peace and unity to their country and end the conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the east.

Ops Director Isaac Eagan and a 173rd paratrooper prep the first aid kits for distribution

Though the 173rd paratroopers provided world-class training to the Ukrainian soldiers, there were no resources available to outfit the trainees with the right medical equipment to keep them and their comrades alive on the battlefield. With the Ukrainian unit headed to the frontlines almost immediately after graduating the training course, this was a critical gap.

Accordingly, Spirit of America stepped in to assist, providing a NATO-standard first aid kit to every graduating soldier. Your support is directly saving lives and helping a critical partner of the United States. You can get involved here.

SoA and the 173rd distribute kits to Ukrainian soldiers

A trainee applies a bandage during training (photo courtesy of US Army)

The Ukrainian soldiers will head to the frontlines shortly after graduation (photo courtesy of US Army)

Jim and Isaac