Spirit of America helped Ukraine scale a vital lifesaving communications network

Our team recently returned from Ukraine and Poland, where they met with US and Ukrainian partners to get the latest on current assistance efforts and new ones being explored.

Our support of a secure communications network that identifies threats, saves lives, and spares attacks on critical infrastructure has been essential in preparing Ukrainian forces for a large-scale rollout of the program. Two years after Spirit of America’s investment of $8.6 million to pilot and grow the network, the US government has scaled the program to $103 million and has started the flow of 10,000 communications devices into Ukraine. Our partners told us that without the initial Spirit of America-provided equipment, the Ukrainian military would not have the knowledge, experience, and buy-in from commanders to prepare the force for the influx of USG-provided gear.

The team also met with units focused on drones and other unmanned systems as well as those trying to improve medical care for injured soldiers on the frontlines. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, we have delivered over $64 million in equipment, supplies, and support that has saved thousands of lives and helped Ukrainians defend their freedom.

Ukrainian students unveil new spaces that unite Ukrainian communities

In Novokyivka, a remote and impoverished village in Ukraine, a group of high school students turned their experiences under Russian occupation into a powerful reminder of lives lost during their country’s fight for freedom. The students created a memorial in the town center honoring local soldiers who died defending Ukraine. They also renovated a school museum to preserve both historical and recent wartime memories.

​​​​​​The students’ efforts were part of the UActive program, developed and funded by Spirit of America in partnership with the Ukrainian nonprofit savED, to address the devastating impact of Russia’s war on Ukrainian students, their schools, and their communities.

​​​​​​Last month, UActive students across Ukraine unveiled grand openings for their winning projects in Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv. Our team was on the ground to attend these events and meet the young Ukrainians who are rebuilding their war-torn communities.

Help stop the spread of extremism in West Africa

Since the collapse of Libya in 2011, ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliates have spread south, sparking instability across West Africa. Today, West Africa is the epicenter of global Islamist terrorism.

​​​​​​Spirit of America has been working with US troops, embassy personnel, and African officials in Benin to help halt the spread of these Islamist terrorists. By supporting projects between Benin’s military and local communities vulnerable to extremist violence and recruitment, we are building trust, cooperation and security between local communities and those who serve them on the front lines. And, by partnering with US officials, we can help American troops’ safety and success in their mission.

Ready to work even more closely with the US military, Iraqi Peshmerga soldiers graduate from English language program

In Iraqi Kurdistan, the Peshmerga security forces have stood shoulder to shoulder with American troops for decades. To strengthen security in the region and to help these soldiers operate more seamlessly with US forces, we expanded an intensive English language education program for Peshmerga soldiers. In October, 28 men and women started our program with the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. Last month, all 28 soldiers graduated.

​​​​​​In addition to improving interoperability with the military, enhanced English language skills can also open doors to military education and training opportunities here in the United States, further promoting partnership with our friends and allies.