It was an emotional return stateside for Marine veteran Michael Postupak. For the last three months, the Yonkers man has been training Ukrainian civilians how to treat their wounded.
Postupak’s prior service in the Marines left him with a unique set of combat medical skills. He has a deep connection to his father’s ancestral home and felt called to help by sharing what he knows about battlefield wound care and triage.
As part of his dangerous duty in Ukraine, Postupak trained Ukrainian police and civilians in “TC3,” or tactical casualty combat care.
In an interview with CBS2, Postupak described his mission.
“We try to teach as many as we can, just some basic lifesaving steps that can keep them alive long enough to get them to a medic. Because you can bleed out in two to three minutes.”
Conflict with Russian forces has resulted in over 6,000 casualties in Ukraine. TC3 training could have saved those who needed emergency care before medics arrived.
A Pocketful of Grit
Postupak is reminded daily of the dangerous conditions in Ukraine. He keeps a small pouch of shattered glass and crushed concrete in his pocket.
The rubble was from a Russian missile attack in October that destroyed the Samsung building in Kyiv. He keeps it as a reminder of the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people.
“I want to remember why I do these things,” said Postupak.
During his duty, Postupak was able to connect with his cousins. He was amazed by their resilience and hopes his work in Ukraine will save lives.
“A big part of my heart and a big part of my soul is Ukrainian,” he said.
Postupak was welcomed home and thanked by Ukrainian community leaders in Yonkers.
