We protect the lives of those who defend freedom.
Spirit
We name the fallen and honor their memory
WE FILL GAPS
The Challenge
Ukraine faces a growing missing persons crisis, with tens of thousands of defenders still unaccounted for. Families live in prolonged uncertainty, often without clear information, legal support, or the resources needed to navigate complex identification processes. Fragmented forensic systems and administrative barriers slow the return of remains and personal effects. Restoring names, returning the fallen, and supporting families are essential to national stability, dignity, and healing.
Our War Victim Identification Program identifies the fallen and the missing.
Our Next-Of-Kin Program guides foreign families through the complex process of securing their rights due to the loss of their loved one.
Our Memento Mori Program preserves the memory of Americans who lost their lives and amplifies the voices of those who loved them.
WE FILL GAPS
Our Response
Veteran Rights Compensation
Court Status Petitions
Repatriations
Remembrance
Forensic Aid
Forensic Training
OUR PROGRAMS
War Victim Identification
Our War Victim Identification Program combines forensic science and legal expertise to identify the fallen and the missing in Ukraine.
To find and identify the missing, support the repatriation of the remains of foreign defenders, and strengthen Ukraine’s national capacity to identify tens of thousands of missing soldiers.
OUR PROGRAMS
Next-Of-Kin Services
Our Next-Of-Kin Program is dedicated to upholding the rights of the families of the foreign defenders who have died fighting in Ukraine. Our services are focused on “cutting through the red tape” involved in: 1. The repatriation of their loved one’s remains 2. Obtaining death benefits 3. The return of personal effects These services include obtaining powers of attorney and notarized documentation, petitioning courts for death certificates, opening bank accounts, and coordinating with foreign embassies as well as a complex web of Ukrainian government agencies and military units.
Ensure that the rights of the next-of-kin of those missing or killed fighting in Ukraine are upheld.
OUR PROGRAMS
Memento Mori
The literal translation of the Latin phrase “Memento Mori” is “Remember Death”. It refers to the fact that we are all mortal—in order to inspire us to live our lives with purpose and urgency. We chose this phrase as the name for our story-telling program as it is dedicated to honoring the lives of the Americans who have died for an incredibly noble purpose—to defend against the genocidal invasion of a sovereign European country.
To preserve the personal histories of all the Americans who have lost their lives in Ukraine, and to raise public awareness of their service and the grief caused by their loss.
OUR CORE PILLARS
Other Programs
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Our Work Ahead Continues
$11M USD
Veteran Financial Compensation Secured for Families
$36K+ USD
Shipment of personal effects of missing and fallen to their families world wide.
20
Regional Forensic Bureaus Supported Through Aid and Training
OUR CORE PILLARS
R.T. Weatherman’s Programs
Body
Body
Mind
We restore the will to endure.
Mind
Spirit
We name the dead and honor their memory.
Spirit
The R.T. Weatherman Foundation exists to protect life, restore dignity, and strengthen societal resilience in communities affected by war—delivering humanitarian services that also safeguard long-term peace and security.