Ukraine // What’s at stake and what we need to know

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The Library Society is honored to welcome Jim Hake, CEO and Founder of Spirit of America for a front lines perspective on the conflict in Ukraine. 

Since 2014, Spirit of America has been actively helping Ukraine defend its freedom and democracy against Russia’s aggression. Having recently returned from his ninth visit, Jim will share what’s at stake, and how American citizens are defending our values in the face of brutal aggression not seen since World War II. 

Working closely with US military, Spirit of America has delivered 800+ tons of protective, nonlethal aid — surveillance drones, communications gear, vehicles, body armor, helmets, medical supplies, food and more — to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians to meet urgent needs in providing targeted humanitarian support. As an inspirational example, Jim will also illustrate stories of courage, commitment and hope as his privately-funded nonprofit represents

patriotism and has risen to become the nation’s single non-partisan vehicle for Americans who want to act to support our national interests and values.

As longtime supporters and friends, Col. William W. Griffen USMC (Ret’d) and Mrs. Carrie Snyder Griffen, have generously worked to make this appearance possible for the Charleston community.

Tickets: Members – $10 // General Admission – $15

Tickets: PURCHASE HERE

About Jim Hake: 

Prior to Spirit of America Jim was an entrepreneur. He founded and sold Access Media, one of the first internet media companies. In 2000 and 2001, Jim was named a “Technology Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum. Jim has been honored at the Marines Evening Parade, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is an honorary member of the US Army Civil Affairs Regiment. He is a contributing author to Warriors and Citizens: American Views of Our Military, a book edited by General Jim Mattis and Dr. Kori Schake. Jim has given talks at the TED conference, the Bush School of Government, the Aspen Institute, the Fletcher School, Dartmouth’s Tuck School, SMU, and USC. Jim received a BA with distinction in economics from Dartmouth College. Throughout college, Jim worked as a member of Local 161 of the International Association of Ironworkers — the riggers union in Philadelphia. After Dartmouth, Jim trained as a hovercraft pilot with the Canadian Coast Guard and was part of a team that tested the viability of commercial hovercraft transportation in southwestern Alaska. Jim earned an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He is the founder and president emeritus of The Friends of Arjay Miller (FOAM), Stanford business school’s longest-lived social institution.

About Spirit of America: Jim Hake founded Spirit of America in response to the attacks of 9/11. He wanted to stand up for what America stands for. Spirit of America is a privately-funded 501c3 citizen service organization. It is the only nonprofit recognized by Congress and approved by the Department of Defense to work alongside deployed US troops and provide private assistance in support of their missions. Spirit of America is “not-neutral” – it takes the side of America and our allies, partners, and friends. It brings the entrepreneurial power of our citizens to support America’s security, values, and leadership. It fills the gaps between what is needed and what government can do. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General (Ret.) Joe Dunford says, “Spirit of America represents a new capability – not just another nonprofit” that is “important to our country’s future.”