Under the auspices of the humanitarian organization Ukraine Focus from Virginia, the 15th mission of the “Volunteer Ambulance Corps” took place, continuing humanitarian activities in the spirit of the American Field Service of the First World War. The goal of the mission was to deliver ambulances to Ukraine for military medics and territorial defense. This time, the convoy delivered 24 ambulances and 5 auxiliary vehicles that will strengthen the medical evacuation system and save numerous lives.
This was reported by Ukraine Focus.
The Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA) also joined the Ukraine Focus mission, supporting the humanitarian project that has already carried out 25 missions since the beginning of the war. The convoy included more than 25 volunteers who traveled more than 2 thousand kilometers. Among them is Tamara Oleksiy, director of the UCCA regional office in New York and coordinator of the relief fund.
“Each mission confirms that people from all over the world are united with Ukraine. These ambulances do not just save lives – they symbolize hope, compassion and unwavering support from the international community,” said Tamara Oleksiy.
Volunteers from various countries joined the mission. Carol Cummings, a former Peace Corps volunteer who worked in Ukraine from 2016-2018, noted:
“I fell in love with Ukraine during my service in the U.S. Peace Corps. When I learned about Ukraine Focus, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this cause. The energy, the purpose, the connections between volunteers – every kilometer we cover is an act of solidarity.”
Another participant, Gordon Murphy, emphasized that he is motivated by a sense of service and a desire to help:
“I grew up in a family that valued volunteerism and helping others. Supporting those who fight for justice is very American. And I always felt a deep need to do something meaningful for Ukraine – especially now that I have the opportunity.”
Among the participants was American Andy Gross from Wisconsin, who learned about the initiative through a local brewery, Lakefront Brewery, which supports Ukraine Focus.
“I don’t speak Ukrainian, but I feel a natural connection to the people and the culture. While the world is just watching, I feel a personal responsibility – even from rural Wisconsin – to help and spread the truth. Politics can be blinding, but action shows the way.”
Anna La Baume, a volunteer from Australia, also shared her story:
“When Russia attacked Ukraine, I felt powerless – anger, sadness, guilt. This powerlessness became my motivation to act. The journeys are long and exhausting – days on the road, numerous borders – but the people are the most memorable. The doctors in the field hospitals, the families who have lost everything but treat you to tea… True courage is in the quiet determination to live on, to rebuild, to believe in the future.”
Jan Suroczak, a defender of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, also joined the October mission:
“My family roots are in Slovakia, and I have worked in this region all my life. The sad truth is that if we surrender Ukraine, Slovakia could be next. Ukrainians are fighting and dying for all of us – they deserve help.”
Another participant, Sean Burke from Connecticut, who now lives in France, has completed his sixth mission:
“Ukraine and Ukrainians are suffering immensely – and unfairly. Each ambulance can save up to 500 lives. This is our way of saying: we understand and we care.”
He was joined by his brother Kevin and his 88-year-old father Walter, who became the oldest volunteer on the mission. Together, they represented two generations of unity and service.
The convoy started on October 2, 2025 from the city of Commerce (France), passed through Munich, Prague, Katowice and Rzeszow, and on October 8 crossed the Ukrainian border. In Kyiv, the official handover of the vehicles to representatives of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine took place.
“The UCCA is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine Focus in “Mission 15.” This mission is special because most of the volunteers had no personal ties to Ukraine, but their hearts brought them here. Their compassion and courage remind us that the fight for freedom and dignity is common to all. We are sincerely grateful for their dedication and unity of purpose. Together we Support Ukraine,” emphasized Tamara Oleksiy.
The next Ukraine Focus mission is scheduled for May 2026, in the fourth year of consistent support for Ukrainian defenders and medics. UCCA confirmed its intention to rejoin the initiative, continuing its partnership with Ukraine Focus in a common humanitarian cause.
Photo: Ukraine Focus
Author: Danylo Pievchev