Making Sure Ukraine's Heroes Are Never Forgotten
The Borderlands Foundation bridges communities through sport, preserves military history, and provides vital mental health support for veterans
80+
Veterans Supported
18
Podcast Episodes Recorded
1,000
Conference Attendees
Our Mission
Supporting those who've sacrificed everything for freedom
The Borderlands Foundation was created in response to the war in Ukraine, recognizing that victory on the battlefield is only the beginning. Our mission extends beyond conflict to healing, remembrance, and rebuilding lives through innovative programs that address the long-term needs of veterans and preserve their legacy for future generations.
Unity
Building bridges between UK and Ukrainian veterans through shared experiences
Healing
Providing innovative mental health support and therapeutic programs
Legacy
Preserving the stories and sacrifices of heroes for future generations
Meet Our Founder
From Belfast to Kyiv, a lifetime commitment to freedom
Samuel P.N. Cook
Founder & CEO, Borderlands Foundation
Born in Belfast and raised amidst the complexities of Northern Ireland for my first nine years, I learned early about the importance of peace and the cost of conflict. After moving to America, I graduated from West Point and served as a U.S. Army Officer with two tours in Iraq, including creating the Regimental History for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment under H.R. McMaster.
As a West Point professor, I specialized in Russian history with my master's thesis on Crimea - knowledge that would prove prophetic. In 2018, I moved to Ukraine, founding successful tech and media companies. When war came, I transformed my experience into action, creating the Borderlands Foundation to ensure Ukraine's heroes are never forgotten.
Today, I live in Kyiv with my Ukrainian wife, expecting our first child in October 2025. Ukraine is my home, my family's future, and the country I'm helping build into a beacon of freedom.
"From Belfast to Baghdad to Kyiv, I've witnessed the price of freedom. Ukraine's fight is the defining struggle of our generation, and we must ensure their sacrifice leads to lasting victory."
The Ukraine Freedom Summit Story
From Washington to London, rallying the free world for Ukraine
INAUGURAL EVENT 2024
First Annual Ukraine Freedom Summit
Washington D.C. • Congressional Country Club
A Historic Gathering
The inaugural Ukraine Freedom Summit brought together 400+ attendees in Washington D.C. to celebrate Ukraine's veterans, preserve their history, and support the ongoing war effort. The summit featured forums on defense innovation, economic recovery, and veteran support, creating lasting connections between American and Ukrainian communities.
Golf Tournament Excellence
The highlight was our charity golf tournament at the prestigious Congressional Country Club, with General David Petraeus as our Guest of Honor. His powerful keynote at the Awards Dinner Gala inspired attendees while raising over £500,000 for veteran programs. Ukrainian and American veterans played side by side, forming bonds that transcended borders.
400+
Attendees
£500K+
Raised
15
Countries
120+
Connections
2025: The Summit Moves to London
As global dynamics shifted and it became clear that Europe would lead the charge in supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom, we made the strategic decision to move the 2025 Summit to London. The UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine, combined with London's position as a global financial and diplomatic hub, makes it the perfect home for our expanded mission.
Join us September 7-10, 2025, as we unite Europe's leaders with Ukraine's heroes at Hampton Court Palace and venues across London.
Where Your Support Goes
Three vital programs changing veterans' lives
100% of proceeds from the Heroes of Ukraine Golf Tournament directly fund these three life-changing initiatives
Ukraine Military History Center
Preserving Ukraine's Heroes Stories
A comprehensive initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the personal stories of Ukrainian defenders. Through our History Podcast, Heroes of Ukraine Tours, and Educational Programs, we ensure that the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of Ukraine's heroes will inspire and educate future generations.
History Podcast with veteran interviews
Heroes of Ukraine Tours
Educational Programs for schools
Digital archive of testimonies
Your Impact:
Every £100 helps produce one podcast episode or educational session, ensuring veterans' stories reach thousands of listeners and students worldwide.
Ukraine Military History Center
Healing Through Sport & Community
Golf has proven to be exceptionally effective in treating PTSD and supporting veteran mental health. Our program provides regular golf outings, professional training from golf pros, English language training, and a supportive community where UK and Ukrainian veterans heal together through the therapeutic power of sport.
Weekly golf sessions for veterans
Professional training from golf pros
English language training included
Equipment and transport provided
Your Impact:
£500 provides three months of therapeutic golf sessions for one veteran, including equipment, professional training, English lessons, and transport - a proven path to recovery and integration.
Ukraine Center for Traumatic Stress
Breakthrough Mental Health Support
In partnership with leading mental health professionals, we provide innovative treatment including Breakthrough Ketamine Therapy for PTSD, the Ukraine Trauma Podcast, and Veterans Mental Health Workshops. Our comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge medical treatments with peer support and educational resources.
Breakthrough Ketamine Therapy for PTSD
Ukraine Trauma Podcast series
Veterans Mental Health Workshops
24/7 crisis support service
Your Impact:
£1000 funds 8 sessions of life-changing Ketamine Therapy for a veteran with treatment-resistant PTSD - a breakthrough treatment showing 70%+ success rates where traditional therapy has failed.
Heroes of Ukraine Golf Tournament
Join us on September 7, 2025 at Hampton Court Palace
Play with Legends
England football stars including Parlour, Pearce, Ferdinand & Heskey
Support Heroes
Play alongside 20 UK and Ukrainian veterans
Fund Recovery
100% of proceeds support our three veteran programs
How You Can Help
Every contribution makes a difference in veterans' lives
Join the Tournament
Play or spectate at our annual golf tournament. Meet legends, support heroes, and be part of something extraordinary.
Become a Sponsor
Align your brand with heroes while funding vital programs to help their recovery. Sponsorship packages from £5,000 to £50,000.
Make a Donation
Can't attend? Your direct donation still makes an impact. Every pound supports veteran recovery and remembrance.
Can't Attend? You Can Still Make an Impact
Help bring 27 Ukrainian veterans from the battlefield to London. They'll play golf with UK football legends, present Boris Johnson with the Freedom Award, and share their stories with world leaders.
501c3 Non-Profit Organization
All Donations Are Tax Deductible
EIN: 88-1118730