Two dads and a soldier heading to Poland to help

My name is Forbes March. I have a wife, three children, a warm home on a small farm in the Catskill Mountains of New York, and I am leaving the comfort of my little life to travel to the Ukraine/Polish border to offer direct aid to the women and children who are being allowed to flee their homes. We all know what is happening- it is unacceptable. I find it utterly unacceptable.

 

I have some skills that may be beneficial- I am a performer, a manager, a logistics guy, a mechanic, I have fireman training, I have traveled widely and I am comfortable in foreign places. Still, most relevantly, I am willing and able to go.

 

Like many of you, I was raised on stories of what our families went through to get us here- stories of train rides, cargo planes, long marches, wars, heroics, oppression, courage, selflessness, commitment, volunteerism, humanity.

 

When President Zelenskyy called out for help, we all heard it. It resonated deeply in us. It is a very deep and human need to respond to a peer who is seen doing everything they can, who is struggling, who asks for help, to offer the help.

Of course, we all want to help, but there are important reasons to stay here; we are doing what is possible within the very real practical and economic limitations of our own life's responsibilities.

 

I am fortunate to have the time, some resources, a wife who is willing to work with me while I am away- I am compelled to help, and she will hold the fort while I am gone. Anyone who knows her knows she is a heroic woman... I am going.

 

I have collected a small group of willing men to come with me:

Brandon: Brandon worked for me a few years ago. He is the shinning star, the reason I never lost hope that my business might help someone. He has a complicated story, but an unconquerable smile and energy. He is recently discharged from the military and has combat experience, medical, and survival training. When I asked him if he was interested in coming along, he literally jumped, as he confirmed his desire, I could hear him already putting his "kit" together in the background, "Armor- do you have your own body-armor Forbes?". No Brenan, I do not have armor and I'm not sure if I feel safer or not for you asking, but I'm glad you are coming along!

Dennise Daigle: Dennise and I go way back to my days in Toronto, Canada when I was a Hollywood brat. He is an avid Hockey player, a goon on the ice, but just the most boyish teddy-bear I have ever met off the ice. He works in film as a "grip" which means he knows how to work very long hours, lift heavy stuff, and get that stuff to places it shouldn't normally be. He is tireless, unflappably optimistic and happy, he loves everyone he has ever met and is overjoyed by the company of anyone and everyone anywhere- he is ALWAYS the first and last at any party. I am blessed and joyed by the prospect of having him at my side as we approach this very frightening situation.

 

We will be flying to Warsaw, where we will congregate, then taking a train the 120 Miles to Pryzemysi, where many refugees are funneling through as they leave Ukraine and into Poland. Given that housing is one of the severe issues in the area, our first job will be to find refuge for ourselves (tents in tow just in case it comes to that- after all, I AM CANADIAN!), and then we will get to work.

 

Before our trip, we will fill as many boxes as United Airlines will allow with baby Formula, Diapers, wet wipes, and dry socks- if you can think of anything else those women might need, let me know, and we will bring some.

 

We understand that while there are inspiring amounts of goods coming into the area, there is a severe shortage of people to help distribute the goods. I gather there isn't time for the accredited agencies to follow their own rules required to send volunteers to the location, so it's up to us- individuals- to pick up and go. Our first day will be spent distributing these items to the women and children as they cross the border. From there, we will find another volunteer group short on "hands"- This is our Dunkirk and everyone with a little boat needs to row over and help someone.

 

We will stay one week, prepared to stay a second if needs be, and return home.

 

We will do direct video blogs as able, and as many donors as we can allow will be video chatted from the location to see for yourselves what your resources are doing on the ground.

 

I am self-funding, but while willing and very able, some of my colleagues could use some help with the cost of transportation and sundries "on the ground."

 

First funds will be used for transportation and immediate costs for us; all surplus will be used for donated supplies to be purchased before departure.

 

Thank you, It is my experience that the worst times tend to bring out the best in the people I know, its why I love you all so much.

 

Forbes March