"When there is such a war in Ukraine, I cannot stand aside."

Britney, call sign "Captain," is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. She served as a crew chief of a Leopard tank.

When Canada donated the first Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Britney signed a contract to train the crews as an instructor. That's where she met the Ukrainian military.

"I was very impressed by the patriotic attitude of the Ukrainian tankers and their desire to learn. When I returned from the training, I was overwhelmed with emotions. And the decision to go to help Ukraine came naturally, because I clearly realized that there is a large-scale war going on there, and I simply cannot stay away. I am a professional military woman and I have to be where my knowledge and experience will help win peace," Britney said.

Now "Captain" speaks Ukrainian well enough to understand the commander and communicate with the crew.

Britney is a gunner, but she plans to study and learn from the experience of her comrades in order to fight our common enemy more effectively and grow in her career.

"I will do my best to be effective on the battlefield and help Ukraine be free and independent," the "Captain" added.

Source: Communications Department of 25th Separate Airborne "Sicheslav" Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces