Saved by a Journalist
A Journey Through Lifesaving Friendship and Ukraine's Unheard Stories
In mid-September 2023, I was at the lowest point of my life. I was lost and battling feelings of depression and hopelessness, convinced I had failed in every way. I had no idea how to overcome my failures.
My friend Tim took me to dinner and offered a lifeline: "Why don't you move in with us?" His offer was extremely generous, and it took me by surprise. I welcomed the offer with gratitude, feeling the warmth of a friend's support, however uncomfortably pessimistic I felt.
In 2019, my first in-person encounter with Tim Mak occurred at the National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting. Being a firearms instructor, I strongly felt the need to help reform the NRA. Tim, an investigative journalist covering the NRA, had been on my radar for some time. I had been following his work closely (including that of his ground-breaking coverage of Russian Spy Maria Butina) for months before finally having the opportunity to meet him. He surprised me by wanting to interview me.
I went on to help found Save the Second, a non-profit committed to reshaping the NRA. Concurrently, Tim delved into completing a book, crafting what would become the most comprehensive investigative account (court trial jury selection set to begin in January) detailing the organization's tumultuous history and floundering future:
Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA.
In early February 2022, I was one of the few who anticipated that Russia would invade Ukraine, and I was preparing to contribute somehow. Meanwhile, Tim would become a war correspondent moments after arriving in Ukraine.
I made two trips to Ukraine before I finally saw Tim again. In July of 2022, we enjoyed eating fried worms at a Kyiv Chinese restaurant. One year later, in July of 2023, I was fortunate to see him again, only this time, he had started his publication: The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak. My world started crumbling two months later, and I couldn’t simply leave.
Tim's offer to move in with him that night in Kyiv became a pivotal moment for me, saving my life not just once but repeatedly. It offered the immediate refuge I urgently needed and was the foundation for being able to pursue my perpetual goal of aiding Ukraine.
Though I never reached a point of true suicidal intent, my sense of self-preservation was long gone, and I found myself happily willing to take incredibly dangerous risks. Tim's friendship and consistent support compelled me to reconsider why I was inclined toward such extreme measures.
"I think you should stay," Tim remarked. After just a few days of staying in Tim’s flat, I was about to rush East to teach Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) with a new team. I compromised with Tim and decided to hang around until after the upcoming weekend. That decision prevented me from experiencing a horrific Russian missile strike.
After finishing a few missions in the East, returning to Tim's flat was always a relief. There, amidst the bustling activity of Tim, Ross, Myroslava, Alessandra, and others tirelessly crafting stories and conducting interviews, I found a sense of belonging. Staying informed about the latest news and current events was essential (and fun for me), but what I enjoyed more was engaging in deep, sobering debates with brilliant people.
While I wish I could claim to have directly contributed to The Counteroffensive's incredible journalism, I am immensely proud to have witnessed their dedication and expertise in action.
Many individuals remain oblivious of Ukraine, Russia’s barbaric invasion, and the Ukrainian people, but The Counteroffensive is an invaluable source, offering stories from real individuals amidst the backdrop of the largest conventional war since World War II. Their stories deserve attention.
Tim Mak became a lifesaver for me, and while that might not have been his initial intention, I am very grateful. Tim’s dedication to delivering top-notch journalism for a Western audience about Ukraine from Ukraine remains legendary.