Spirit of America Delivers 50 Tons of Nonlethal Combat Equipment to Ukrainian Soldiers and Civilian Volunteers

Spirit of America, a leading nonprofit providing a range of protective equipment and supplies to Ukrainian soldiers and civilian volunteers, today announced that it delivered approximately 50 tons – nearly 100,000 pounds – of much-needed bulletproof vests, helmets, combat boots and first aid kits to Ukrainian soldiers operating in the eastern war zone of the country. This shipment marks the third cargo plane of citizen-funded aid from the United States to Ukraine since the war began in February. To date, Spirit of America has delivered more than 115 tons, representing $15 million of assistance directly to soldiers in need.

Spirit of America, founded in 2003, is the only nonprofit recognized by Congress and approved by the Department of Defense to work alongside troops in the field. Funded through contributions of American citizens, Spirit of America operates an integrated network of civilian and military partners that allows aid to be in the hands of those who need it quickly, efficiently and effectively. This unique public-private partnership combines what citizens can deliver – ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and generosity – with what our troops and diplomats on the front lines can do, enabling greater impact and better results. Spirit of America has raised $21 million since the start of the war to fund their assistance work.

Spirit of America’s third cargo flight was loaded with 125 pallets of aid, weighing close to 50 tons and representing $5.7 million of assistance. The shipment included:

  • 2,250 bulletproof vests
  • 1,900 ballistic helmets
  • 1,300 first aid kits
  • 1,100 pairs of combat boots
  • 460,000 nutrition bars

In addition, the shipment contained smaller amounts of other needed supplies: 500 headlamps, 500 ballistic glasses, 140 knee pads, 140 elbow pads, and 140 tactical gloves.

“Ukraine’s courageous and brave civilian military is fighting for their country’s very existence, often without the equipment and supplies they need. Spirit of America – funded through the incredible generosity of our donors, large and small – is helping the citizen-soldiers of the Territory Defense Forces swap their skateboard pads and bike helmets for bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets. Our deep relationships with civilian and military leaders in both the US and Ukraine allow us to get these helmets and vests from the US on to the heads and chests of those who need them within 48 hours. It is an honor to be working so closely with our partners and to play a part in defending freedom and democracy,” said Jim Hake, Chief Executive Officer.

Spirit of America has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is currently raising funds to fill its fourth planned cargo plane with aid in mid-May.

About Spirit of America

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501c3 charity founded in response to the attacks of 9/11. We are the only nonprofit that works alongside troops and diplomats to help them save and improve lives. We are recognized by Congress and officially approved by the Department of Defense to work alongside deployed US troops and provide private assistance to meet local needs. Learn more at spiritofamerica.org.