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Ukrainian soldiers and American vets connect at VFW

After a ride around White Bear Lake, the VFW picks up the tab for lunch.

MINNEAPOLIS — On White Bear Lake Saturday, a group of Ukrainian soldiers gathered on two pontoons for an hour on the water. 

The men on those boats have had to tread troubled waters when they fought for their country in Ukraine and all of them have lost limbs while serving. 

They are in Minnesota being fitted for prosthetics and getting help from The Protez Foundation.

 Your Boat Club heard about those soldiers, and offered them the free ride. 

"We know how much peace can be found in the middle of the water so why not take them out?" said Brian Weger, the Twin Cities market manager for YBC.

Afterwards, the boats took the soldiers to VFW Post 1782 for lunch. The VFW picked up the tab, and another veteran got the tip. 

"I see a lot of guys, veterans, who appreciate the work in my country," said Ukrainian soldier Alex Bazylevych, "they just come to me and other guys and just say thank you for your service."

George Brown, a past Post Commander with VFW Post 1782, said there always is a connection between people who have served their countries, no matter the nation.

"We're all doing trying to do the same thing for our country," said Brown.

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