Manitoba-trained solider says grassroots efforts around Ukraine war ‘absolutely essential’
Posted February 20, 2024 5:35 pm.
Last Updated February 20, 2024 6:35 pm.
A soldier who trained in Manitoba and is preparing to return to the frontline in Ukraine says now more than ever, support from the masses is needed to continue combat efforts against the Russian invasion.
Touching on how crowd-sourced night-fighting gear had given them an advantage on the battlefield, a member of The Chosen Company, Wayne Hallat – saw combat in Ukraine numerous times during a six-month tour that ended in December.
Preparing to go back next month, he says grassroots efforts to support soldiers are critical as the war with Russia enters year two and political support slows — equipment and resources going quickly on the self-funded missions.
“It’s absolutely essential,” said Hallat. “It really brings the heat on the Russians, because then we run the night.
“We still need a lot of kit. A lot of kit gets destroyed. A lot of kits get lost. It’s a casualty of war.”
Canada’s Defence Minister Bill Blair announced this week Canada will be sending 800 drones to the war efforts in Ukraine for surveillance, intelligence gathering and to move equipment, and is currently working to send more ammunition.
But Rachel Jamison, with Protect A Volunteer, says governments — including Canada — have to do more.
“I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say the state of the free world is at stake here,” said Jamison.
She says while enormous numbers are in the press around contributions to Ukraine the funds are in the form of large pieces of equipment, saying its grassroots organizations that are providing other life-saving support.
“The little stuff. The things like tourniquets, the vests, the boots, things that every single soldier needs — those are not necessarily being provided by that sort of aid, so it comes through grassroots aid and it comes through NGOs.”
She’s heard from people involved in combat who say the body armour and equipment that has been provided has saved lives, especially at a time when government aid is becoming less reliable, as proper equipment keeps experienced soldiers on the frontline.
“That is game-changing in the war.”
