SEATTLE — More than 5,000 miles from Ukraine, Carl Larson's driveway in Mountlake Terrace is home to an old military Humvee, adorned with the Ukraine flag and the unmistakable red cross, the universal emblem of neutrality and protection.
The repurposed ambulance will soon be shipped to volunteer fighters in Ukraine's war with Russia.
"It's going to be used in an absolutely horrific way, but an important way," Larson said. "It will literally be used to save American lives."
Through his nonprofit, Ukraine Defense Support (UDS), Larson said the vehicle will be sent to a battalion comprised of volunteer fighters, 40% of who are Americans. It will be the 13th Humvee the group has sent to coalition fighters, but the first to be outfitted as an ambulance.
"The unit this is going to is well worth supporting," Larson said. "They're absolutely desperate, they wouldn't be paying for this out of their own money if they didn't desperately need it to save their lives and the lives of their brothers and sisters on the front lines. Unfortunately there's not enough equipment."
The battalion has chipped in $12,000 for the Humvee, UDS will contribute about $15,000, including shipping costs, Larson told KING 5.
In 2022, Larson, a U.S. Army combat veteran, went to Ukraine to join the International Legion of Ukraine. He spent six months fighting against the Russians.
When he got back to western Washington, he co-founded UDS, which specializing in shipping non-lethal equipment to Ukraine.
To date, the organization has raised more $500,000.
For more information UDS, including how to donate time and money, visit their website.
The group meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday at European Foods at 13520 Aurora Ave. in Seattle.