Calhoun County, AL – At the Calhoun County Commission meeting that took place on May 12, 2022, the commissioners voted unanimously on a surplus resolution. These votes often go unnoticed and receive little fanfare, but this one can literally save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. Sheriff Matthew Wade requested to have 37 ballistic body armor vests that are not currently being used by deputies declared surplus. Sheriff Wade wanted to explain that vests are very sensitive items. They are life saving devices that have a shelf life of about five years. The Sheriff’s office had these vests sitting here and they can’t be thrown away, sold, or used by his deputies so he started doing some research. He came across a program run through the NSA and the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC) that sends these vests to the Ukraine to support their war efforts against the Russian incursion.
Chairman Lee Patterson stated that he appreciates the sheriff thinking out of box and bringing this idea to the county commission. The vests can save lives and help troops stop the Russian aggression in the Ukraine. He also appreciated the Sheriff calling him, as chairman, and is excited about the joint effort. This is a win-win situation where surplus materials can literally save lives. Sheriff Wade explained that “Doing this will make a difference. These vests can be used to help people who are defending their country. We can do something meaningful and that can and will make a difference for many people.” Commissioner J. D. Hess said he was also glad the Sheriff brought this to the commission’s attention. “It is called working together and we are happy to help accomplish this.”
The Calhoun Journal also had the opportunity to speak with Captain Stone, Chief Deputy Medders, and Lt. Hurst of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. They explained that the vests were rated level IIA and IIIA in ballistic resistance. They were all extremely happy that vests that had already reached their shelf life could still be used to help others. The UACC is asking for all available vests, so even if they can’t be used here, they are still welcomed by their military. Commissioner Carolyn Henderson stated, “I am honored to have a vote in this.”
The UACC was created to help civilian Ukrainians bravely fight for their independence and freedom, the UACC responded quickly by obtaining a special license for regulated, military-grade items. To learn more please visit www.uaccusa.org.
