WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, a retired colonel from the Marine Corps is answering the call of service once again as he returns to an active battlefield for the first time since 2020.
What You Need To Know
President Zelenskyy issued an invitation to any foreign fighters to join the Ukrainian defense against Russia
Col. Eric Terashima is setting aside retirement to join the forces in Ukraine
He has 30 years of service with U.S. Marine Corps and only retired last May
With 30 years of service on his record, Col. Eric Terashima has more than done his fair share, but he feels there's no one more suited to aid the Ukrainian Armed Forces than someone with his background.
“I want everybody to do as much as they can to help, and I'm in a rare position where I have the skillset, I have the training and I have the ability to make a real difference,” Terashima said. “To me, if anybody is in my shoes and has that, we should all go.”
Sacrifice for others is what he's devoted his life to. In his eyes, the oath he took to protect democracy extends beyond U.S. borders and U.S. military conflicts. While watching the Russian attacks on Ukraine unfold he found himself at a crossroads of principles versus personal safety – with Terashima, principle wins every time.
“I don't look at it from a courage standpoint, bravery, those kinds of words,” Terashima said. “I look at it from the standpoint that it's morally the right thing for me to do and morality and integrity are two of the most important things I value.”
He recognizes the inherent risk that come with any war zone. It's nearly impossible to predict when and where the next attack might come, but his goal is be part of the defense in any way possible. His skillset far exceeds the qualifications to be on the frontlines, but his willingness to help excludes nothing.
“I'm watching everyday Ukrainians, octogenarians, young women who have never had any military training, willing to pick up an AK and fight, fight for their own sovereignty and that's inspirational to me,” Terashima said. “Why not take somebody with my skillset ... I'll go help in any way I can.”
After eight tours of duty overseas he understands how it might seem like madness to run back into danger now – his retirement only began a matter of months ago – but unlike many of his fellow veterans he finds himself with nothing stopping him from answering that call.
“The Ukrainian side is the right side,” Terashima said. “Zero doubt in my mind. Once I make a decision like this I have a high level of conviction in what I'm going to do, and I feel I'm doing the right thing.”