OSF HealthCare VP recognized with award by President of Ukraine

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

(25News Now) - OSF HealthCare’s Vice President of Government Relations was recognized by the president of Ukraine for his work in starting US Ambulances for Ukraine, sending ambulances and emergency vehicles following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Chris Manson was awarded the Cross of Ivan Mazepa by Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, initially given in March 2009, which honors citizens of Ukraine, foreign citizens or stateless persons for significant contribution to the revival of national, cultural, artistic, spiritual, architectural, military and historical heritage of Ukraine, for achievements in state, diplomatic, humanistic, scientific, educational and charitable activity.

Manson started US Ambulances for Ukraine after his daughter asked if anything could be done to help the Ukrainian people.

Manson sent the first donated ambulance last March, with help from OSF, AMT and the Ukrainian Consulate of Chicago.

Since then, 67 emergency vehicles have been sent to Ukraine - including 52 ambulances, eight fire engines, six SUVs and 1 utility truck.

All vehicles were filled with medical supplies or firefighting equipment.

OSF says Manson has been to Ukraine six times and has personally led five convoys of vehicles into the country - the last being a 22-vehicle convoy.

“I am very thankful for the support I have received from so many including OSF HealthCare, all the donors, the Ukrainian Consulate of Chicago, The UA Resistance Foundation, the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and, most importantly, my family,” Manson said. “This medal and recognition belong to everyone involved.”

Manson was recognized by Zelenskyy during remarks made at the National Archives on September 21.

Manson was one of nearly two dozen others from across the country recognized with medals or other commendations.

US Ambulances is working on its 10th shipment of ambulances, fire engines and other needed vehicles. They hope to have them ready to send to Ukraine by early November.