Loomis resident Kristin Reese serves as EMT in Ukraine during war

Some might say that those who work and serve in the medical field are incredibly brave. Loomis resident Kristin Reese exemplifies that courage by serving since April in the Ukraine as an emergency medical technician (EMT) during the war that started in February when Russia invaded the country. "I saw the atrocities being committed by Russia (in the Ukraine) and felt like I had a calling to go over and help the people in any way that I could," Reese told Gold Country Media as to why she decided to risk her life to help in Ukraine. "The amount of civilians who needed evacuating and medical help was astronomical; around 12 million, I believe, is the latest figure." The Reese family has lived in Loomis for the last 10 years. According to Reese's mother, Ruth Reese, the family previously lived in Rocklin, Hawaii and Australia. "Kristin had an irresistible urge to go to the Ukraine to help," Ruth Reese said. "I can't explain it but in the past, she has shown a remarkable ability to serve others. I believe she feels we can all be of service to our families, neighbors and communities." Reese has an administration of justice degree from the University of Hawaii. She became a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) in 2012 and received her phlebotomy certification from Sierra College in 2017. Both Reese's mother and her aunt are nurses, which motivated her toward the medical field. "I wanted to go into something a little more exciting than nursing, which is why I chose the path of being a first responder," Reese said. Reese has served in the Ukraine since mid-April. During her first few weeks in Ukraine, Reese helped train the Ukrainian Guard in Lviv before they were deployed to the frontline. Reese then spent a month in Kyiv doing humanitarian work and delivering care packages to people in need. After working in Kyiv, Reese took a train to Dnipro, where she worked with Ukrainian Aid Ops delivering supplies to Kharkiv and Kramatorsk. In addition, Reese spent a weekend in Kramatorsk teaching another Ukrainian unit of medical technicians, before returning to Dnipro. Reese met two American volunteers who bought a van to turn into an ambulance and the three medics traveled to Lviv to get it armored and prepared to help aid the Ukrainians fighting in the war. This week, Reese and the other American medics made their way near Mykolaiv to evacuate people from a bomb threat and also provide medical assistance. Reese plans to stay in the Ukraine for another couple weeks or until her Visa runs out. "Depending on how this war plays out, and the funding, I'm definitely not ruling out coming back (to Ukraine)," Reese said. The funding is from private donations. "The main takeaway I've had from this experience so far is how wonderful, welcoming and resilient the Ukrainian people are and how they're so grateful to all of the foreigners from around the world who have given up so much to come fight this Russian invasion, whether it be through the humanitarian effort, medically or to fight," Reese said. Her mother supports Reese's efforts. "I am so proud of Kristin volunteering in the Ukraine, while at the same time worried for her safety," Ruth Reese told Gold Country Media. "Each time a Russian missile strikes, I pray that she is not nearby." Reese and her mother set up a GoFundMe account so that she can continue to volunteer in Ukraine for as long as possible. "Since I had to give up my job (to come to Ukraine), I am relying on savings and donations here, so every dollar counts, and I'm so thankful to everyone who has contributed thus far," Reese said. The GoFundMe link is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ukraine-volunteer.