Little Rock, ARK – Two veterans from Malvern, Arkansas, have found an innovative way to support Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russian forces. Monty and Barnett, both mailmen and former service members, are raising significant funds for the Ukrainian military by auctioning challenge coins online. Their effort has garnered attention both nationally and internationally, and they’re determined to continue as long as the need persists.
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, Monty and Barnett, like many, were moved to action. Initially, they considered volunteering to fight on the front lines. However, the reality of leaving behind families and careers quickly changed their focus. “We talked about going over there and volunteering,” Monty said. “But what we would have come back to was divorces and no houses, no career.”
Instead of joining the conflict in person, they decided to lend their support in a different way—by raising funds to provide essential supplies for Ukrainian soldiers. Their solution? Creating and auctioning a set of limited-edition challenge coins, each one numbered and often connected to a unique theme or story. What started as a small idea has turned into a highly successful fundraising effort.
The coins, which have ranged in price up to $3,500 each, have sold to collectors and supporters from around the globe. Monty believes the coins have been shipped to between 30 and 40 countries, as well as multiple U.S. states. The proceeds from these auctions go directly to supporting the Ukrainian military by helping purchase critical equipment such as medical supplies, medical evacuation vehicles, and other essential resources.
“It feels good. It takes away that feeling of not being able to do something,” Barnett explained. The two veterans have received an outpouring of gratitude in the form of signed flags, thank-you videos, plaques, and war memorabilia from those they’ve helped. However, with each auction, they are also reminded of the high stakes involved. “Some of the people we’ve gotten to know on phone calls and messages have died and gotten killed,” Barnett noted somberly.
Despite the challenges and the emotional toll, both men remain committed to the cause. “There’s no excuse, you can always find a way to help somehow,” Monty said, reflecting on their decision to fundraise rather than fight in the trenches. “We’re probably doing more good this way than if we were over there freezing to death in a trench,” Barnett added.
Their initiative began with a simple idea: a challenge coin featuring a cartoon dog dressed as a soldier. From this humble starting point, their fundraising efforts have grown, as the two veterans continue to explore new ways to raise funds and support the Ukrainian cause.
The next round of auctions is scheduled to begin in the second week of January, with 10 coins expected to be sold each week. Both men say they’ll continue as long as there’s a need, and as long as people are willing to help. But their greatest hope is that the conflict will end before they reach the next fundraising milestone. “We hope the war ends before we have to do another auction,” Monty said.
Through their efforts, Monty and Barnett exemplify the power of creative thinking and determination in the face of adversity. As they continue to raise money for Ukraine, they offer a hopeful message to others: even small actions can make a big difference, and everyone can find a way to help.