HELPING UKRAINE

Since March of 2022, we have been working with a group organizing a medical supply effort for Ukrainians. Since March, we have been able to help get multiple ambulances donated as well as countless medical equipment and supplies. The amount of need and support for Ukraine is immense. We are using LifeCare Medical Transport in Fredericksburg as a collection point for items. 

Click here to see the for more information and feel free to share with other EMS agencies. 

U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine: A Lifeline of Support from Virginia EMS

Kevin Dillard, board member U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine

Since the war in Ukraine began, U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine has worked tirelessly to provide life-saving emergency vehicles and medical supplies to those in desperate need. To date, we have successfully delivered 103 ambulances and 8 fire trucks into Ukraine, along with vital equipment and medical supplies that have made a direct impact on the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis.

The generosity of the Virginia Association of First Responders (VAFR), its many member agencies, and the entire Virginia EMS community has been instrumental in this effort. Your unwavering support has ensured that Ukrainian emergency responders have the tools they need to save lives in the most challenging conditions. The donations of fully equipped ambulances, first response vehicles, and fire trucks have not only provided critical transportation for the injured on the front lines and in civilian areas, but also served as symbols of hope and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

On my fifth trip to Ukraine, which took place from May 20 to May 30, 2025, we conducted "Operation Valentyna," named in honor of the mother of our Ukrainian friend and partner, Andrii, who has faithfully assisted us each time we’ve traveled to Ukraine. Sadly, Andrii lost his mother since our last visit, and each mission is given a special name to commemorate our mission as we assist those affected by this terrible war.

For this mission, I want to especially thank VAFR District 1 Vice President Jeff Grimm for helping arrange the donation of a fire truck from Millboro Volunteer Fire Department, located in Bath County (VAFR District 1). I had the privilege of attending the VAFR District 1 meeting on January 26, 2025, at Millboro Fire Department, where the donation was finalized. This 1986 Chevrolet tanker truck, which had previously been loaned to the Bolar Volunteer Fire Department, came fully stocked with an incredible amount of equipment: 62 air bottles, 25 air packs, helmets, hose, nozzles, ladders, and much more. The truck holds 1,150 gallons of water and features a ten-speed manual transmission.

After the meeting, I had the honor of driving the truck from Bath County to my home in Spotsylvania, and later to Colonial Beach where we prepared the vehicle for overseas shipment. We inventoried the equipment, cleaned and serviced the truck, and ensured it was mission-ready. Once the mechanic gave the all-clear, I drove the fire truck to Maryland where it was loaded onto a cargo ship at the Port of Baltimore in late April. From there, the truck sailed to Hamburg, Germany, before being transported overland by flatbed to Rzeszow, Poland. After final checks, it was driven into Ukraine.

We spent our first night in Malekhiv, Ukraine, before traveling to Lviv to deliver a response vehicle to the Catholic Bishop, who blessed the vehicle for use by chaplains serving on the front lines. We continued on to Rivne, delivering additional vehicles including ambulances, response vehicles, and a wheelchair van.

Driving in convoy, I then took the fire truck to Kyiv where we met our partners for additional deliveries. On Saturday, May 24th, I had the privilege of delivering the fire truck to the volunteer fire department in Boryspilska, outside of Kyiv. The firefighters were overjoyed to receive the truck. They prepared a meal for us on a small grill, and we provided training on their "new" apparatus. That night, the city endured one of the largest Russian attacks since the start of the war. We sheltered as 298 drones and 69 missiles were launched. Tragically, 12 people lost their lives that night and many others were injured.

Throughout our journey, we experienced firsthand the gratitude of the Ukrainian people. As we drove with American flags flying on the back of each vehicle, passersby would wave, honk, flash lights, and give us a thumbs up. It is deeply moving to see how much the support from Virginia and the United States means to them. Everywhere we went, the phrase "Slava Ukraini!" (Glory to Ukraine!) was shared with us.

The people of Ukraine are so appreciative of what we are doing. They are inspired when I share the stories of generosity from Virginia—from flying the Ukrainian flag, donating equipment, and simply asking how they can help.

In addition to the generous donations of vehicles and equipment, I also want to sincerely thank those who have contributed cash donations to U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine. These funds are critical for covering the many expenses involved with each mission, such as fuel, repairs, and other logistical costs as we travel through the country. Every dollar goes directly toward keeping our convoys moving and ensuring that every vehicle reaches those who need them most.

I also want to recognize Chris Manson, President and Founder of U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine, for his extraordinary leadership. It is an honor to serve alongside Chris and my fellow board members on this important mission. U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine is a non-profit organization—please visit us at https://www.usambulancesforukraine.org/. I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for this life-saving effort.

As we continue this mission, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the agencies, departments, and individuals across Virginia who have contributed to U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine. You are saving lives and bringing hope in the darkest of times. Thank you for your support.