Executive Summary
This provides an overview of Sublieutenant Kateryna Koval’s visit to Ohio, focusing on key events and observations. The visit included engagements with Congressman Representative Brad Wenstrup’s office, a National Public Radio (NPR) interview, a visit to the Tipp City Fire and Police Departments, a tour of the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital, a tour of the Disabled American Veterans HQ and meeting with CEO and COO, and in depth look at the region and its importance to Ukraine. The summary highlights the objectives of each visit, their significance, and recommendations for future collaboration.
Key Highlights:
1. Meeting with Congressman Representative Brad Wenstrup’s Office: The meeting with Mr. Alex Scharfetter, District Director of Congressman Representative Brad Wenstrup, established the foundation for potential collaborations between the Ukrainian Special Operations and Wounded Warrior Cossack Foundation and Ohio-based organizations. Strategic alliances were emphasized, areas for collaboration were identified, and support from Representative Wenstrup’s office was requested.
2. NPR Interview: The NPR interview with Sublieutenant Kateryna Koval aimed to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine and the work of the Cossack Foundation. By sharing personal stories and humanizing the Ukrainian perspective, the interview sought to foster understanding and garner support among the American public through local media and grassroots efforts.
3. Tipp City Fire and Police Department Visit: The visit to the Tipp City Fire and Police Departments aimed to understand the role of first responders in mass casualty response and explore collaboration opportunities between Ukrainian and American first responders. The visit showcased equipment, protocols, and interagency operations, emphasizing the importance of coordination and collaboration during emergencies.
4. Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital Walk Around: The visit to the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital provided insights into the comprehensive care and services available for veterans with disabilities. The experience highlighted the need for peer-to-peer relationships between Ukrainian and American first responders and potential collaborations, such as sharing best practices and establishing specialized mental health services in Ukraine.
5. United Way of Greater Cincinnati: UWGC’s programs encompass various initiatives, such as kindergarten readiness, job readiness, poverty alleviation, and support for veterans. By collaborating with local agencies, businesses, and community leaders, UWGC aims to create lasting positive change and strengthen the fabric of the community. During the visit, Ms. Koval had the opportunity to meet with key individuals from UWGC, including Chief Strategy officer Mike Baker, major gift manager Yuliya Johanningmeier former CEO Rob Reifsnyder and board member Michael Laatsch. Ms. Koval found their collective transformative, strategic, and compassionate approach to community challenges inspiring.
6. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) headquarters in Kentucky: On July 7th, 2023, the Cossack Foundation had the opportunity to explore the operations and services provided by this significant nonprofit organization in the United States. DAV, with over one million members, offers a wide range of programs and services to support disabled veterans and their families.
The programs and services offered by DAV include benefits assistance, transportation services, employment assistance, voluntary services, and advocacy and legislative support. DAV assists disabled veterans in navigating the complexities of obtaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides transportation for medical appointments at VA hospitals and clinics. They also offer job counseling, career fairs, and connections with potential employers to help veterans find suitable employment opportunities. DAV encourages veterans to remain active in their communities through various volunteer opportunities. Additionally, DAV actively advocates for the rights and needs of disabled veterans, working with lawmakers and government agencies to shape policies and legislation.
During the visit, Ms. Kateryna Koval and Mr. Mike Robinson, a lifetime member of DAV, were warmly welcomed by Mr. Cody VanBoxel, the Chief Operations Officer of DAV. Cody’s deep understanding of DAV’s mission and his passion for serving disabled veterans left a lasting impression. He acknowledged the value of the Cossack Foundation’s approach and expressed belief in the potential for collaboration and the sharing of best practices. Discussions with CEO Barry Jesinoski, regarding future collaboration involved the possibility of hosting a gathering or symposium to discuss best practices, as well as exploring professional development exchanges between Ukrainian and American disabled veterans through the Cossack Foundation’s Veteran2Veteran program.
The visit to DAV’s headquarters reinforced the Foundation’s belief in the importance of collaboration and the potential for implementing successful strategies and practices to support wounded warriors in Ukraine. The Cossack Foundation expresses gratitude for the time, professionalism, and goodwill shown by the DAV leadership.
Recommendations:
Based on the observations and interactions during the visits, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Establish collaborations and strategic alliances between the Cossack Foundation and Ohio-based organizations, leveraging the support and expertise of Congressman Representative Brad Wenstrup’s office.
2. Advocate for the implementation of specialized mental health services for veterans in Ukraine, drawing inspiration from the comprehensive approach observed at the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital.
3. Explore opportunities for volunteer resource mobilization to support the development and expansion of facilities and programs for veterans with disabilities in Ukraine.
4. Foster knowledge exchange and capacity building through virtual meet and greets, sharing best practices, and developing exchange programs between Ukrainian and American first responders.
Bottom Line up Front Conclusion:
The visits to various locations in Ohio provided valuable insights, fostered meaningful connections, and identified potential areas of collaboration for the Ukrainian Special Operations and Wounded Warrior Cossack Foundation. Engagements with Congressman Representative Brad Wenstrup’s office, NPR, the Tipp City Fire and Police Departments, UWGC, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital and DAV HQ established the groundwork for future collaborations, knowledge sharing, and support for wounded warriors in Ukraine. By leveraging these experiences and implementing best practices, the Cossack Foundation aims to enhance the care and support provided to Ukrainian veterans.
