As part of the joint project of the 1st Recruitment Center and Bayraktar radio — “Ground Forces Friday” — the story of a foreign volunteer fighting in the ranks of the Ukrainian military aired on air for the first time.

The program's guest — Mones “Ben” Bernhard, a combat driver of the Martlet unmanned systems battalion, 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade named after General-Khorunzhyi Leonid Stupnytskyi. He has lived in Ukraine for 12 years. Before the full-scale war, he volunteered, worked as a hairdresser, and had experience serving in the German army.

From the first months of the invasion, Ben fought in the infantry in the Hostomel and Irpin areas, served in Kyiv air defense, was a medic and infantryman of the 3rd Assault Brigade. During his service he was seriously wounded three times — twice by shrapnel and once during a russian gas attack.

After being wounded and rehabilitating, Ben decided to change his direction of service and joined the Martlet battalion. According to him, the key motivation is the team: “We're brothers, sometimes fathers and sons. This is a real, big family.”

He also notes the unit's international makeup — fighters from Asia, Europe, and other regions of the world — and a high level of internal motivation, held together by responsibility for one another.

Ben separately emphasizes the humane attitude of commanders and medics, while also drawing attention to the difficult conditions of infantry evacuation, which isn't always fast due to combat circumstances.

Mones Bernhard's story is an example of a conscious choice, borderless brotherhood, and service that becomes part of one's life.

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