Founder

My name's Chris Hennemeyer and after 35 years as a senior international aid worker, mainly in Africa, I “retired” in late 2021. But having worked in Ukraine in 2015 during the first Russian invasion, I felt a strong urge to go and lend a hand when Moscow sent in its troops again in 2022. So I bought myself a ticket to Warsaw, took a train to Kyiv, and ultimately wound up in the beautiful city of Odesa. There I found a little band of Ukrainian and foreign sisters and brothers doing important and sometimes dangerous humanitarian work with loads of passion and few resources. I rolled up my sleeves and helped where I could, but soon concluded that while aid was important, it was even more critical to try and fill some of the material gaps faced by Ukraine’s tough but beleaguered troops. That led me to launch a fundraising campaign called “In the Trenches” to support a Special Forces unit which operates in the south of the country, facing Russian invaders across the Dniper river.

"I have known Chris for over thirty years as a dedicated humanitarian field worker and advocate." U.S. Ambassador James K. Bishop (Ret.)

"Chris is the most intrepid, courageous, committed American I know who is working for justice for the people of Ukraine, opposing Putin’s disgusting assault on Ukrainian sovereignty and freedom. I have complete confidence in his integrity and his word." Tony Gambino, USAID Mission Director (Ret.)

"Chris is someone who knows how to get things done in difficult circumstances and a man of complete integrity. It feels good to know that 100% of my donation will be put to good use." William Warshauer, President/CEO Technoserve

Anchor 1

Media

The Kyiv Post is Ukraine's oldest and largest English language newspaper and I'm gratified they've published several of my pieces.

https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/786

And here are two more from other publications:

https://english.nv.ua/opinion/what-a-frozen-conflict-in-ukraine-would-look-like-for-ordinary-people-opinion-50417037.html

https://www.ft.com/content/24388950-1efc-465c-a563-0cd189cc47c0

Advocacy

In addition to providing material support to Ukraine’s defenders, I also advocate for better understanding of the conflict and the need to support our allies. On the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion, I hand-delivered leaflets to all Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to provide ongoing military aid to Ukraine.

Anchor 2

Local Hero Elena

Meet Elena, a smiling, diminutive fifty-something woman who looks like everybody’s favorite aunt. Indeed, you’d be hard pressed to guess that most weeks she drives alone into various high-risk combat zones delivering essential supplies to Ukrainian troops. Her battered Honda 4x4 has a lot of miles on it, and every square inch of the vehicle is filled with food, warm clothing, medicines, and even drawings and letters from school kids. She carries a medal awarded to her by Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief General Zaluzhny, but she doesn’t really need it to get through the various military checkpoints. Most of the men at the posts know or have heard of her. And she has another credential, one even more compelling. She pulls out her cellphone and displays a happy picture of her son-in-law with his wife and young daughter. He too served his country, but was killed this year after stepping on a mine. It’s for people like her and her son that I intend to raise more funds for the Ukrainian soldiers for as long as this war lasts.

Anchor 4

A Pledge

During my long career running humanitarian operations in chaotic places like Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I've been entrusted with the responsibility for tens of millions of dollars of resources and hundreds of staff. Today, however, this little organization consists solely of me, and I intend for that be the case for as long as “In the Trenches” is needed. I don't and won't take a penny of anyone’s donations to cover my own costs. My time, travel to and within Ukraine, lodging, body armor, communications etc. is entirely covered by me. And since I started this initiative in November 2023, I’ve given over $5,000 of my own funds to the procurement of militarily useful items for the Ukrainian Special Forces. Since "In The Trenches" has no overhead or administrative costs, every single dollar received goes directly to supporting the troops. You have my word on that.

So far, we've been able to supply various military units with large electrical charging stations, binoculars and night vision equipment, combat trauma kits and other medical supplies, vehicle spare parts, walkie-talkies, laptops, drone components, and more.

I'm exploring 501(c)3 charity status from the IRS, but that's a slow process. In the meantime, with your support "In The Trenches" will continue its work -- quietly, usefully, and cost-effectively.

DONATIONS

* Venmo: @Christian-Hennemeyer

* Zelle to CapitalOne - 301-775-1392

* Wise: IBAN BE93 9679 8489 9667

* Revolut: christoz2e

* Physical checks: mail to 1789 Lanier Place, NW, #42, Washington DC 20009 USA

Sorry, wish this was all simpler.