For Sofiia's Future

My name is Anastasia Maynich; I am a native Ukrainian residing in the Bay Area of California, a naturalized U.S. citizen and a combat veteran (serving in the U.S. Army for over 18 years).

 

When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24th, 2022, my whole world turned upside down. I was trying to get a hold of everyone that was close to me and friends. Eventually, I was able to get a hold of my family in Odessa. At the beginning they were worried, but safe at their house. Tania is a police officer who worked at the airport. During an attack on the military side of the airport that she witnessed, the reality of Russia taking over had set in. She realized that Soffia, her 11 year old daughter, is the only human being she needs to think about and save her life. They packed as much as they could into her car and began their journey to the Romanian border through Moldova. As she was packing her bags, I received a phone call. Hearing Tania’s heartbroken voice on the other end, I bought a one-way ticket to meet her and Sofiia in Romania. They have nowhere else to go and little money. They literally left with their documents, two bags of their belongings and about $300.

 

As they drove to Moldova, they had faced direct gunfire from an unknown direction, but she pushed through and made it to Romania just as I flew in. Their 365-mile journey took 4 long sleepless days.  Their journey had really just begun. I am trying to get them back to the U.S.; however, we have faced multiple delays from the immigration office and U.S. Embassy was no help.

 

I will have to return to my soldier and work duties very soon.  I am asking for help with financial support for Tania and Sofiia. We have been able to get them moved into an apartment in Bucharest, Romania. For the moment, they are safe, warm and have access to food and water. That said, they will need assistance with housing, food and the cost of an immigration attorney who specializes in relocating refugees. Anything you can contribute will go to a great cause. And, whatever we do not use will be donated to further help Ukrainian Refugee Relief.

 

Thank you for your amazing support.

 

Stay you, stay strong, stand with Ukraine!

 

Anastasia

 

Here is a story published in the California National Guard newspaper about our journey:

 

https://grizzly.shorthandstories.com/california-national-guard-soldier-helps-evacuated-family-from-embattled-ukraine/index.html