The speaker for Friday came to us virtually from London, UK, and was introduced by his father, Gary Hartman, a fellow Rotarian from the Snowmass Village club. Jeff Hartman became acquainted with Ukraine after spending two years there in 2002-04 as a member of the Peace Corps.
When war broke out in Ukraine three years ago, Jeff used his connections of 20 years to support his friends with delivery of humanitarian aid and the purchase and transport of almost 400 pick-up trucks from London to the Polish/Ukrainian border. The pick-ups are used to haul medical supplies and humanitarian goods to the locations in greatest need. Support for the mission has been growing over the past three years as the war continues to rage and Ukrainians continue to defend their freedom. For more information contact www.UkrainianAction.com.
Marshall’s efforts brought him into contact with an increasing number of Ukrainian veterans suffering from physical and mental/emotional trauma as a result of their military experiences. He felt that he could offer veterans healing and solace that comes from being in the mountains and connecting with positive physical experiences such as skiing and snowboarding.
Thus Marshall, with the support of Ukrainian Action, launched a companion 501©3 organization to provide this unique experience, Ukraianian Action Heroes.
Marshall shared the story of Teras Bihus through a short film, “Teras: A Solider Finds Solace in the Mountains.” The documentary film, created in partnership with local film company, Matchstick Media, profile one of the 1.5 million Ukrainians who volunteered to fight and were injured, one third of whom suffer from PTSD.
In the film Teras acknowledges the healing power of the nature, mountains, and snow sports; “the mountains know me and accept me. In the mountains you start to hear your thoughts… to recover.” We all know how wonderful the mountains can be as both a place to play and enjoy the outdoors and a place to find yourself and feel their beauty and peace.
The song sung by Steve Shute at the beginning of our meeting, Annie’s Song by John Denver, echoed the power of nature: “you fill up my senses like a night in a forest; like the mountains in spring time; like a walk in the rain.” Marshall reminds us that the mountains can also heal and bring someone back to themselves.
Service Above Self
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
United States of America