Oklahomans Could be Heading to the Ukraine to Help Fight!

Ukraine would love to have Oklahoma join in the fight!

They'd be beyond grateful for the help and could use the polished marksmanship, firearm expertise, hunting, fishing, trapping, and tracking abilities not to mention our general middle finger attitude and ruggedness that we're lovingly known for. Think about it, who wouldn't want a bunch of well-armed Okies on their side?

Well, that could actually happen. There's a new bill that's being introduced in Congress that would allow U.S. citizens who wish to volunteer to fight in Ukraine the opportunity to do so. The bill (HR 7039) called the Volunteer Fighters Exemption Act of 2022 would temporarily suspend the current laws which forbid Americans from fighting for other countries. At this time it's illegal for any American to volunteer into another country's army to fight against a country the U.S. isn't at war with. Read 18 USC Section 958-960.

The bill was introduced by Oklahoma's own U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin along with U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz from Indiana. If passed it would provide a 10-year exemption and allow those who wish to join Ukraine in their fight against Russia the legal means to volunteer. Congressman Markwayne Mullin's website states:

“For the freedom-loving individuals who feel called to join their brothers and sisters in arms, this exemption allows them the opportunity to do so,” Mullin said. “Whether they are veterans or Ukrainian-Americans who have family and friends in Ukraine, there are thousands of U.S. citizens who have the skillset to help and will not sit idle as they watch Ukrainians defend their homeland against this communist takeover. This is personal to so many people, including Rep. Spartz, and I am proud she is joining me in introducing this bill.” 

There's also a quote from Congresswoman Victoria Spartz: “I am honored to co-lead the Volunteer Fighters Exemption Act with Representative Markwayne Mullin, a brave American who served our country in many capacities,” Spartz said. “This bill would waive criminal liabilities for the good-hearted freedom-loving Americans who would like to volunteer with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”

You can click here to read and review (HR 7039) in its entirety. According to the press release/statement on Congressman Markwayne Mullin's official website, there are already over 3,000 Americans signed up to volunteer. More are expected if this bill passes and the exemption is provided. You can get more information by clicking here. You can also visit the official website of Congresswoman Victoria Spartz