Veteran Green Beret Finds New Purpose Clearing Landmines in Ukraine

Ryan Hendrickson, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces engineer sergeant who spent two decades clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan and Iraq, has found new meaning in his post-military life by helping to clear landmines in war-torn Ukraine. The documentary "Safe Ground: A Green Beret’s Mission to Remove Ukraine’s Landmines," now streaming on Prime Video, tells the story of Hendrickson's journey from a soldier haunted by past missions to a humanitarian aid worker dedicated to saving lives.

Hendrickson's military career was marked by numerous deployments and dangerous missions. On September 12, 2010, he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan while attempting to rescue an Afghan soldier. Despite surviving this incident, Hendrickson continued his service, earning a Silver Star for leading an IED-clearing team through a Taliban ambush in Baghlan Province in 2016. After retiring from the military, he returned as a contractor until shortly before the U.S. withdrawal in July 2021.

Returning home, Hendrickson struggled with identity and purpose, grappling with heavy drinking and depression. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, he felt compelled to act despite having no direct ties to the country. Inspired by his father's warning about regretting unfulfilled ambitions, Hendrickson flew into Poland with humanitarian supplies and began working with a Ukrainian missionary team.

Upon arriving in Kyiv, Hendrickson was struck by the parallels between the real-life situation and military training exercises like Robin Sage. He quickly immersed himself in volunteer work, evacuating civilians and providing aid to liberated towns. As residents returned home and encountered landmines left behind by Russian forces, Hendrickson shifted his focus to mine clearance.

In October 2022, Hendrickson founded Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal as a nonprofit organization dedicated to clearing explosive remnants of war in Ukraine. The group has since made over a dozen trips to the country, raising funds and providing essential equipment for local territorial defense units. Hendrickson's work extends beyond mine clearance; he trains and equips Ukrainian defenders, helping them rebuild their communities.

Recognizing that his mission could offer hope and purpose to other veterans struggling with identity and mental health issues, Hendrickson expanded his efforts to include the Tip of the Spear Veterans Humanitarian Corps. This initiative aims to engage former military personnel in various forms of humanitarian work, from mine clearance to reconstruction projects.

Hendrickson's faith plays a significant role in his mission, providing him with spiritual support and motivation. Despite being recognized as an extraordinary individual by some Europeans, he insists that his actions are emblematic of the American spirit and veteran ethos. His dedication has also helped him confront personal challenges, including thoughts of suicide, which were once part of his struggle.

The documentary "Safe Ground" not only chronicles Hendrickson's journey but also highlights the broader impact of veterans finding new purpose through humanitarian work. It underscores how military skills can be repurposed for peace and reconstruction efforts, offering a powerful narrative of redemption and service beyond traditional combat roles.