Ukraine

THE WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH

After Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine, The American Legion’s National Executive Committee passed an emergency resolution addressing the situation.

“The American Legion was founded after World War I ravaged Europe,” National Commander Paul E. Dillard stated at the time. “We are extremely concerned about the horrific consequences that occur during war. There is absolutely no justification for Russia’s aggression. Our resolution calls for peace in Ukraine and, in conjunction with NATO and the Russian Federation, supports a European security architecture which considers the national security interests of all parties … We agree with the White House’s decision to not send troops to Ukraine, as we continue to support a strong national defense and a strategy of vigilance.”

Legionnaires and local posts donated money to the Ukrainian cause. Members were also asked to share their memories or connections to Ukraine. James Etter, a Marine Corps veteran and member of American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va., launched the Ukrainian Refugee Online Academy, providing free learning opportunities to high school-aged refugees.

$6,000

Funds donated in March from American Legion Post 962 in Locust Valley, N.Y., and Auxiliary Unit 962 to the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, to provide military gear and field-grade dressings to support fighters in the war against Russia Ukrainian servicemembers ride on an armored transport through a Russian position overrun by Ukrainian forces outside Kyiv on March 31, 2022. AP

“I lived in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, from 2011 until an evacuation in 2014 as a Peace Corps volunteer. I have traveled back to see friends but am concerned about my friends packing bags to go to Moldova or Poland. When I evacuated in February 2014 we went through Moldova. The beautiful people of Ukraine deserve peace.”

Michael Dixon, American Legion Post 194, St. Augustine, Fla.