The entire world has been looking on at the crisis happening in Ukraine. Thousands of Americans have begun volunteering their services for Ukraine and it’s people, offering to fight for their freedom on the front lines as well as provide aid for those in suffering and in need.
Groups such as The International Legion Of Territorial Defense Forces Of Ukraine and the Hospitallers – Volunteer Paramedics have started campaigns encouraging civilians to enlist and join their legions to “Stand with Ukraine.”
One of these brave men is Frank Minitello, a Los Angeles-native, who served as a Paramedic Firefighter in South Central, Los Angeles, and was nominated for exceptional service, training, and community leadership by his peers in 1999. His accomplishments as a Paramedic Firefighter earned him a “Star of Life” award.
He is leaving the United States to offer medical support to the victims of the crisis in Ukraine for three months.
Frank, can you tell us about your time as a firefighter?
My time as a firefighter was extensive. I worked in South Central, Los Angeles for most of my career as a training officer and as a supervisor. And because of that experience I feel confident in my abilities to adapt and live up to the challenges that I will be facing in Ukraine. I’ve seen trauma my entire life and career — and I feel I can be of value and service to those in need.
What caused your retirement?
I had two reconstructive back surgeries in 2007 and 2011 as a result of falling down the stairs at two in the morning carrying an unconscious patient who woke up and flailed around… Something I’ve done ten-thousand times before. I was carrying her down the stairs backwards with my partner when she woke up, sending me falling down. That was the end of my career.
Explain what you will be doing in Ukraine.
I’m going to be of service wherever I am needed, period. With my licenses and my skills, I can be of great benefit to people in need of medical services.
What has motivated you the most to serve?
I have a wife and a ten-year-old daughter. I have been retired for 15 years. What has motivated me is sitting on the couch watching innocent people get hurt, knowing that I can make a difference in their lives. If I am able to spend ninety days there and touch one hundred people per day, can you imagine helping 9,000 people in three months? That’s what my goal is, that’s what my mission is.
How do your family and friends feel about the mission?
Very concerned. They’re scared. But they know where my passion lies — helping out people and doing good for others are the core values I live with. They understand. We had a nice gathering where they gave me their well wishes before sending me off. I feel good about it.
Do you have any final words?
What I’m doing is not because I’m courageous or on a mission to save the world. What I’m doing is simply to help others in their time in need. I can say I’m tired of sitting on the couch and watching others suffer so I’m going to go there and help make a difference.
If you’d like to support Frank Minitello in his mission to provide aid for those in Ukraine, he has formed a GoFundMe to raise funding for:
- Medic Equipment
- Medical Supplies
- Trauma Bags
- Necessary Living Expenses Abroad
You can support Minitello’s mission to serve the victims of Ukraine here
