About Alaska2Ukraine

Bridging hearts across continents, from the wilderness of Alaska to the resilient spirit of Ukraine

Our Promise: Direct action, verified impact, and unwavering support for Ukrainian freedom through grassroots American solidarity.

Our Story

From Alaska to Ukraine: A Movement Born

Alaska2Ukraine began in spring 2022 when ordinary Americans watched extraordinary Ukrainians defend their homeland against impossible odds. What started as a small group of Alaskan volunteers has grown into a nationwide network spanning from Europe to the Pacific.

We’re not politicians or professional aid workers—we’re teachers, veterans, small business owners, and retirees who believe freedom is worth fighting for. When we saw Ukrainian university students and grandmothers defending their streets with Molotov cocktails against russian armored vehicles, Ukrainian soldiers sharing their rations with stray cats, and Ukrainian medics treating wounded civilians alongside fighters, we knew we had to act.

Our approach is simple: work directly with verified Ukrainian contacts, cut through bureaucracy, and ensure every donated dollar reaches those who need it most. No middlemen, no overhead deductions, no delays.

Volunteers in an aid vehicle with delivered supplies in Ukraine
Community art workshop: volunteers creating colorful paper collages at a long table

Direct Impact, Verified Results

What makes Alaska2Ukraine different is our commitment to direct delivery. We don’t send money to large organizations—we work with personally verified military units, volunteer coordinators, and civilian groups throughout Ukraine.

Every contact is vetted. Every delivery is tracked. Every dollar is accounted for. Our volunteers communicate daily with Ukrainian partners via secure channels, coordinating everything from medical supplies for field medics to winter gear for frontline positions.

This isn’t charity—it’s solidarity. Americans supporting Ukrainians who are fighting for the same values we hold dear: freedom, democracy, and the right to determine their own future.

What Drives Us

Every effort counts when communities come together for a greater cause

Direct Action

We believe in cutting through bureaucracy. Every donation goes directly to verified Ukrainian contacts—no middlemen, no organizational overhead, no delays.

Verified Impact

All our Ukrainian partners are personally verified. We maintain regular contact and require photo documentation of every delivery and distribution.

Grassroots Solidarity

This is Americans supporting Ukrainians, person to person. We’re volunteers who believe freedom is worth defending, wherever it’s threatened.

Complete Transparency

Every donor receives detailed impact reports. We track every dollar and provide photo evidence of how contributions help Ukrainian defenders.

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Compassionate Action

From tactical gear to cat rescue, we support both the fighters and the humanity that persists even in war. Every life matters.

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Rapid Response

Urgent needs require urgent action. Our streamlined approach means critical supplies reach Ukrainian hands in days, not months.

Board of Directors

Alaska2Ukraine operates under the supervision of a three-member Board of Directors. To be fully qualified for service, board members must be from any of the fourteen villages of Alaska’s Norton Sound region, including Saint Lawrence Island. Additionally, board members must have a minimum of six years of regional experience as Community Health Aides or similar rural Alaskan healthcare providers.

Rita Jane Buck — Board Director

Rita Jane Buck

First Director

From: White Mountain, Alaska

Dolly Kiyutelluk — Board Director

Dolly Kiyutelluk

Second Director

From: Shishmaref, Alaska

Judith Pelowook — Board Director

Judith Pelowook

Third Director

From: Savoonga, Alaska

Corporate Officers

The operational leadership team responsible for day-to-day management and mission execution.

Mark Hayward — President

Mark Hayward

President

Mark is a former Special Forces team member and US Army veteran with degrees in History, Physician Assistant studies, and a doctorate in law from Liberty University. From 2018 to 2025, he worked with Community Health Aides in rural Alaska Native villages.

After the 2022 invasion, Mark volunteered for Ukraine’s International Foreign Legion and has been working with Ukrainian soldiers, medics, Marines, and volunteer organizations ever since. He is now based in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, and is currently being vetted for adoption by two small Ukrainian cats.

Sheila Nitta — Vice President

Sheila Nitta

Vice President

Sheila is a retired deputy prosecutor with over forty years of experience as a practicing attorney. She now works as an independent grand jury counsel, professional photographer, and freelance photojournalist.

She is passionate about upholding international law and promoting freedom, whether in Alaska, Ukraine, or anywhere else. At home, she is closely monitored by an indoor cat and dog and an elite team of spayed/neutered outdoor cats.

Liz Killebrew — Secretary

Liz Killebrew

Secretary

Liz is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Army combat veteran. Her military career includes command of an air defense (Patriot) battery in the Persian Gulf, teaching philosophy and ethics to officer candidates at West Point, and service as an Inspector General officer in Afghanistan.

She writes speculative fiction, is allergic to tyrants, and is supervised by an assortment of full- and part-time cats.

Camille Hayward — Treasurer

Camille Hayward

Treasurer

Camille is a registered nurse with over thirty years of clinical and managerial experience.

She also provides medical, social, and operational support to three geriatric cats.

Our Impact by the Numbers

$485K

Direct Aid Delivered

Every dollar tracked and verified with Ukrainian partners

1,200+

Items Delivered

Medical kits, tactical gear, communication equipment

100%

Volunteer Team

Every team member donates their time and expertise

0%

Admin Overhead

Mission donations reach Ukraine unchanged

Discover More

Explore the different aspects of our organization and mission

Our Story

Discover how Alaska2Ukraine began and our journey from a small group of volunteers to a thriving humanitarian organization.

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Our People

Meet the dedicated volunteers who make our mission possible – ordinary Alaskans doing extraordinary things for Ukraine.

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Our Philosophy

The principles and values that guide our humanitarian work and define our approach to making a difference.

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Our Partners

Learn about the trusted organizations we collaborate with in Alaska and Ukraine to maximize our impact.

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Our Feline Friends

Supporting Ukrainian cats and their families – because every life matters, no matter how small or furry.

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Administrative Expenses

Help keep us running. Donate specifically to cover admin costs, so every other dollar goes directly to the mission in Ukraine.

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Join Our Mission

Choose how you want to make a lasting impact

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Recurring Donations

Provide steady support weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

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Corporate Donations

Partner with us for larger impact initiatives

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