US Army Veteran Finds Purpose and Meaning in Ukraine

US Army Veteran Finds Purpose and Meaning in Ukraine

Author: Mark McNamee July 2, 2026 Duration: 0:00
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Hendrickson, a former US Army Green Beret who spent years in Afghanistan, lost a leg, and has now devoted the last several years of his life to helping Ukraine. As so many veterans struggle with life after service, Ryan found meaning and purpose again in Ukraine. Devoting his life to helping others who are struggling and protecting those from being harmed has been therapeutic, and serves as a critical lesson for veterans back in the US and elsewhere but also the Ukrainian veterans now and in the future. Please consider supporting Ryan's work, and find out more information about Tip of the Spear, at: https://landmineremoval.org/ To connect and message with Mark on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcnamee-58950910 To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/ If you found this episode valuable, follow the podcast and share it with someone who wants to better understand the war in Ukraine.

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
Helping the most vulnerable at the frontline - Greater Good Charities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:51
How do we help those suffering near the frontlines in Ukraine? People need to be fed, windows need to be repaired, pets need to be saved, environments have to be protected - how to go about doing all this? Listen in to h…
The Center of Defense Tech Innovation is Here in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:19
“Ukrainians are producing hardware at speed of software” "We are seeing something remarkable develop in Ukraine: soldier-entrepreneurs" "What they're doing in procurement is like Amazon!" Nick Hawtin, Defense Tech Denmar…
Alaska and DC summits - what does it mean for Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
A very eventful past few days - historic summits in Alaska and DC - and felt the need to give my brief analysis of what it means and where things stand. In short, not bad and could have been alot worse. Not to mention a…