EVENTS: DEFEND UKRAINIAN DEFENDERS BREAKFAST PANEL
At rallies and other events, it seems we never have enough time to really connect with members of our community. So, earlier this year, we decided it was time to host an event that created space for conversation and dialogue.
On April 11, at the “Defend Ukrainian Defenders Breakfast Panel,” that goal came to fruition. The sold-out event, which drew 80 attendees, featured speakers like John Spencer, a renown retired Army Major, combat veteran, military analyst, and urban warfare expert who provided insight into the realities on Ukrainian battlefields. Dedicated Ukrainian activist and frontline volunteer Ron Carter talked about his five trips to Ukraine and motivated the audience to actively engage in effecting live-saving change for Ukrainian Defenders through political action and fundraising. Two Ukrainian Defenders who help guide our work called in from the front lines to tell us about how drone warfare impacts their realities daily. And Sunflower Seeds Ukraine co-founder Andriy Zaakutayev explained how we adapt our fundraising, supply chain and distribution strategies to meet the evolving needs of Ukrainian Defenders, including the most recent focus on the Drone Jammers. To read more about the event and the presenters, visit the event web page.
Thank you to all who participated in the breakfast! We are thrilled to be able to report that thanks to you and many supporters from across the country we met our 20 Drone Jammers fundraising goal ahead of schedule. Drone jammers are like invisible electronic shields that protect against attacks by strike drones, similar to how armor vests protect against bullets. These electronic devices block operation of strike drones by disabling their video communication channel with the operator. Jammers can be mounted on evacuation and resupply vehicles, or they can protect paramedics while providing first aid to wounded Defenders in the field. To learn more about why drone jammers are important and how they work, click on this link. Every additional $1,000 we raise can deliver one more drone jammer to a unit on the front lines, which can save 6-12 lives multiple times.
