- Ukraine Defense Support
- About
- Mike Pekarek
Mike Pekarek
Artistic Outreach & Surplus Equipment Director
Mike Pekarek served in the United States Air Force from September 2001 until his retirement in October 2023. During that time the military sent him to 36 nations on 4 continents acting as an ambassador for the US military and the United States to millions of people. Mike traveled through Ukraine four times between 2017-2021, helping to build ties between the two nations, additionally planning and carrying out more trips including the Clear Sky 2018 joint exercise. Military honors include six USAF Commendation medals, two USAF Achievement medals, Military Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, and National Defense Service Medal, and the Bundeswehr Gold Schutzenschnurr.
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Mike has appeared on BET, GAC, AFN, PBS, and NPR to millions of viewers around the world, nominated for one Emmy in 2009 and winning one in 2022. His brass quintet was featured more than 40 times on the NPR program “Performance Today”. He has a Masters degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelors from the University of Northern Colorado.
Since February 2022, Mr. Pekarek delivered over $180,000 worth of military uniforms to front line Ukrainian soldiers, additionally sourcing and delivering binoculars, encrypted radios, Humvee spare parts, and an electronic warfare anti-drone system. He additionally provided 400 hours of mentoring and mental health support to several Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in need.
Mike has been working with Ukraine Defense Support since November 2023, and accepted a leadership position in April 2024.
