The Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation Natalia Kalmykova and veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian are currently on a working trip to the United States of America.
With whom did the UVF team already meet and what did they talk about?
Nataliya Kalmykova, CEO of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, and Ukrainian veterans Oleksandr Holopotelyuk and Moisei Bondarenko met with representatives of the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations protects global democratic values.
Together with American partners, we shared our experiences and discussed the future vision of supporting veterans. They also stressed the importance of veterans in restoring Ukraine after the victory. In particular, by opening and developing veteran businesses.
Experience exchange forum: why it is useful for our veterans?
In addition to this, the People of Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine held the Second US-Ukraine Veteran Entrepreneur Exchange Forum in Washington. It was held at the Army Navy Club.
The forum participants exchanged the best practices for creating and running a veteran business. After all, we can help support veteran initiatives. And the discipline and determination of Ukrainian defenders will help to provide a powerful result for their families and the country’s economy as a whole.
Ukrainian veteran entrepreneur Oleksandr Holopotelyuk was present at the meeting. Oleksandr is the leader of Veteran Hub Odesa and a pizzeria owner.
He has an economic education and business experience. The veteran said that starting his own business was a way to return to civilian life after the war. And if we support veteran entrepreneurs now, it will give them an advantage in the future postwar market.
We were happy to welcome at the forum the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Yulia Laputina, Yaroslav Brisiuck, Counselor & Deputy Chief of Mission, who represented the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA.
Meeting with representatives of US veteran organizations: what was interesting
Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliya Laputina and CEO of the UVF Nataliia Kalmykova met with leaders and representatives of American non-governmental organizations that provide social, advocacy, psychological and humanitarian services to veterans and their family members.
The American colleagues were introduced to the projects and programs of the Ministry and the Foundation regarding the support of veterans, members of their families and families of fallen Defenders of Ukraine, which are implemented within the framework of adaptation of these persons to a peaceful life, their broader involvement in the economy of the country.
Among them are such well-known organizations as the Union Veterans Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warriors Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
The flag for the US congressman from Ukrainian veterans – as our gratitude for the unconditional support Ukrainian veterans, Oleksandr Holopotelyuk and Moisei Bondarenko, signed a Ukrainian flag to Ted Lieu in memory of the meeting. The flag would serve as a symbol of gratitude for unconditional support of our country. “Was an honor to meet with two Ukrainian servicemembers today through the Ukrainian Veterans’ Foundation.
We stand ready to support Ukraine however possible, and will continue to advocate for funding for Ukraine,” Ted Lieu wrote on his Twitter. Ted Lieu is a US Congressman, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, lawyer and retired military officer. He sincerely wishes Ukraine victory and advocates for the empowerment of veterans. Therefore, the delegation of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation had the honor of meeting and getting to know Ted personally.
Department of Labor, USAID, College of William & Mary – why these dialogues are important for the UVF
The UVF team also held a meeting with the US Department of Labor.
The Department’s functions include ensuring workers’ rights, improving working conditions, increasing employment opportunities, and protecting pension and sick pay.
The Department has developed several programs and legislation, and the Department is actively working to reduce unemployment among American veterans. This meeting is important for the UVF to share experiences and implement best practices in veteran employment.
We also had a dialogue with the US Agency for International Development. It is an independent agency of the US federal government that is responsible for US non-military assistance to other countries. The Agency’s main areas of work include support for trade, agriculture, economic growth, health care, conflict prevention and democracy support. The agency is a significant financial donor and supports a significant number of projects in Ukraine, including veteran organizations.
Another meeting was with the College of William & Mary, W&M. It is a public research university in the city of Williamsburg.
Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yulia Laputina and CEO of the UVF Nataliia Kalmykova met with representatives of the college. They discussed, in particular, the transition of veterans to civilian life, heard about the experience of William & Mary to implement the best practices in Ukraine 18:28
American presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler studied at the college, as well as such famous American figures as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court John Marshall, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Henry Clay and 16 American statesmen who signed the Declaration of Independence.
The institution has an Office of Student Veteran Engagement and has launched a new certified program that prepares veterans and members of the intelligence community to transition into high-level civilian leadership positions. The Office of Student Veteran Involvement supports student veterans in a variety of ways, from supporting the efforts of student veteran organizations to helping with applications and obtaining benefits. Staff assists in finding internship and employment opportunities, and coordinates initiatives across schools and programs, working to increase the number of veterans among the student body. 18:32
Congress, congressmen, veterans and the UVF – where else was the dialogue held
Our delegation also held a meeting with the Ukraine Caucus of the US Congress, with the participation of Minister Yulia Laputina and veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
We remind you that the Ukraine Support Group in the US Congress is a bipartisan support group for Ukraine in the House of Representatives of the US Congress, created in June 1997 in Washington.
There was also a meeting with the Office of Congressman Don Bacon represented by his Chief Counsel, Valerie Foy.
Don Bacon is a member of the US House of Representatives from Nebraska (Republican), retired US Air Force Brigadier General. He received a political science education, but gave 30 years of his life to the American army. During his Air Force career, Congressman Bacon specialized in electronic warfare and intelligence, he had flying 16 combat missions, including 4 in the Middle East.
Congressman Bacon currently serves on two House Committees: the House Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee. His professional interest include: agriculture, foreign policy, labor market and economy, national security and veteran policy. In particular, he was one of the initiators of the document supporting veterans who have experienced sexual violence, he is also concerned about veterans’ access to quality medical care, etc., Mr. Bacon regularly meets with veteran organizations, Rotary clubs, supports Ukraine, for example, he initiated the resolution on the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, he also protects the rights of Ukrainian refugees in Nebraska.
We are also impressed by the productive meeting with NDI and Kristina Jeffers, Program Director (Eurasia). The topic of the meeting is inclusiveness, LGBT and women in the armed forces.
The National Democratic Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions around the world by engaging civil society, promoting openness and accountability in government.
Since its foundation in 1983, the Research Institute and its partners have been working to ensure fair elections, involve citizens in public processes, promote the openness and transparency of government, and increase the level of political participation of women.
Next was a meeting with the “Open World” Leadership Center. This institution executes the Open World program, one of the most effective US exchange programs for the post-Soviet countries. The program enabled more than 29,000 current and future leaders from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to meaningfully engage and interact with members of US Congress, congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans, many of whom are direct professional colleagues of the delegates.
The UVF team also spoke with Tina Swaranowic, Director of Procurement Management and Oversight at the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Program Manager of the US Department of Defense Warrior Games and the Invictus Games.
They also had a dialogue with the executive director of the Union Veterans Council – Will Attig.
The Union Veterans Council is known to bring together working-class veterans to give them a voice on the issues that concern them most. Especially regarding the need for good work and the adequate provision of veteran benefits and services. The Union provides employment assistance to veterans and conducts retraining courses for veterans, including with the USPS (United States Postal Service). It has an extensive system with a large number of affiliated institutions throughout the United States.
In addition, they monitor private businesses and public officials to hold them accountable for their words and actions that violate their promises or the rights of veterans.
Will was a guest at our “Heroes Support Heroes” event and bought a painting at an auction from the wife of a fallen defender of Ukraine.
We would like to remind you that on April 20, Ukraine House in Washington will host “Heroes support heroes” charity event in support of the children of Ukrainian veterans and fallen defenders.
