Wisconsin Man, 84, Makes 5th Trip to Help Ukraine Troops

At 84 years old, most people are content staying close to home. Jeff Leonard is delivering supplies to soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine for the fifth time.

The Lake Geneva shopkeeper was living in Turkey when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Without knowing a single person involved, he immediately traveled to Krakow and boarded a train to help.

"I didn't really know anybody at the time," Leonard said. "I just went to Krakow and got on a train to Ukraine."

Now Leonard has a system. Ukrainian organizers connect him with company commanders who send supply lists. He picks up non-military goods in Dnipro with his Ukrainian partner, then drives his van to deliver everything to troops.

The soldiers can't believe an 84-year-old retired shopkeeper from a small Wisconsin town would travel so far to help them. Even customs agents recognize him now, greeting him with "All glory to the American people."

Why This Inspires

Leonard's dedication is contagious. Fellow Lake Geneva retiree Don Root decided to join this trip after watching his neighbor's commitment over the past few years.

"World War II happened and this is like it's starting all over again," Root said. "We can't let that happen."

The two volunteers will spend three weeks in Ukraine delivering supplies and support. When they return to Wisconsin, they're hosting a May 20 fundraiser in Lake Geneva to gather resources for their next trip.

After years of watching the conflict closely, Leonard sees real progress. "This is the first time I feel confident that Ukraine can win this war," he said.

Age is just a number when you're making a difference thousands of miles from home.