Ukraine Front Line, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) providing lifesaving supplies to Ukrainian troops, has
partnered with Texas native Presley Duyck to produce an emotional performance of Ukraine’s National
Anthem to demonstrate Western solidarity with Ukraine and its continued fight for freedom.
By: Steven Watford and Robin Rohrback
After a rocky start, they found Presley Duyck at the famous Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX, where she was performing the lead role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! “She’s the one,” said Steven Watford of UFL.
DALLAS, Nov. 17th, 2022 – Six months into Ukraine’s war for its survival, while the world was
experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, several Ukrainian units asked Ukraine Front Line
(UFL) to procure and deliver Extended Cold Weather Clothing Systems (ECWCS) to protect them through
the unforgiving steppe winter.
Providing such specialized gear for so many soldiers required capital exceeding UFL’s coffers. Rather
than tell the troops it couldn’t be done, the UFL team came up with an unorthodox idea: find an
American singer to perform Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy, Ukraine’s national anthem. Such a performance
would capture American interest, encouraging donations for the winter gear; and hearing the anthem
from an American unconnected to Ukraine would provide a morale boost for the Ukrainian people. The
team quickly set off on the daunting task of finding the right singer.
After a rocky start, they found Presley Duyck at the famous Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX, where she
was performing the lead role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! “She’s the one,” said Steven Watford
of UFL. The musical’s lighting designer, Scott Guenther, graciously made the introduction, thus
beginning a collaboration that exceeded UFL’s wildest expectations.
The immensely talented, even harder-working Presley set about learning Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy,
despite having never spoken a word of Ukrainian. “I’m so nervous. I don’t know this language and
Ukraine deserves the best,” she said repeatedly. Thankfully, her determination outweighed her fear, and
with the help of world-famous producer Chris Garcia, the best is what she gave.
The magic didn’t stop there.
Ukraine Front Line’s own Dax Martinez-Vargas just happens to be an acclaimed director. Dax envisioned
a video set in the Texas hill country for its symbolic Western landscape. The team assembled in the little
town of Mason with cinematographer Josh Verduzco, where filming commenced in an idyllic Texas
sunset. Editor Marian Oliver loaned her talents to post-production and the video was complete.
What began as an ambitious project to fund a winter gear drive for Ukrainian troops evolved into a story
of collaboration and action. Everyone involved with the production of this video came together from
different walks of life with one common goal: to support Ukrainian troops. The freedom we enjoy, and
often take for granted, is the freedom Ukrainian men and women are sacrificing their lives to defend.
History will look back on these heroes and commend their bravery. We in the present have an obligation
to support them right now.
If you found Presley’s performance moving or this story inspiring, please consider making a donation
today at www.ukrainefrontline.org.
About Ukraine Front Line, Inc.
Ukraine Front Line, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) founded by American volunteers wanting to make a
direct impact supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The U.S.-based nonprofit began as an online
grassroots campaign and quickly grew into an international logistics network delivering lifesaving
supplies to Ukrainian troops on the front line. The UFL team consists of Anders Boyd, Robin Rohrback,
Dax Martinez-Vargas, and Steven Watford. They donate their time and skills so that every dollar raised
helps protect Ukraine’s defenders of freedom. You can learn more or make a donation at
www.ukrainefrontline.org and find them at https://linktr.ee/uafrontline