Jason Hercula

USA

“Dobrobat is exactly what it should be: a platform that unites people ready to act.”

American volunteer Jason Hercula bears a name that immediately evokes associations with the mythical hero Hercules. True to his name, Jason possesses a sturdy physique, a kind disposition, and a readiness for extraordinary deeds. What else could inspire someone to cross an ocean to aid a distant, unfamiliar country gripped by war, a place under constant threat from deadly missiles launched by an aggressor?

Jason hails from the small city of Jacksonville, North Carolina. At 35, he’s had a diverse career: hairstylist, pizza delivery driver, blood donor, and volunteer, with seven years of experience in construction. He long dreamed of traveling, as his ventures outside the U.S. were limited to Canada. He even began learning French to feel more confident in French-speaking countries.

Jason’s plans changed drastically in 2022 when the world learned of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: harrowing battles, devastating attacks, and millions of refugees and displaced people. Resolving to help those affected by the invasion, Jason shifted his focus from French to learning Ukrainian. He recalls:

“I needed time to prepare for my trip to Ukraine. One of the biggest challenges was dealing with skeptics who insisted my efforts could be better used elsewhere. Learning Ukrainian was incredibly difficult. I’ve been studying the language for almost three years: about a year before my first trip to Ukraine in the summer of 2023, and I’m still learning.”

His first trip with Dobrobat unfolded like a detective story. With limited Ukrainian, Jason managed to find a bus of volunteers heading to a reconstruction site, but only at the last moment. Wandering near a shopping center where the meeting point was set, he showed passersby a note asking for directions to the Dobrobat team. Despite the language barrier, he eventually found the group and joined their efforts to restore a damaged site in the Kyiv region.

Jason admits that his initial days of volunteering in Ukraine were chaotic:

“I didn’t understand a word people were saying but joined in anyway. There were English-speaking volunteers, but they weren’t comfortable working on the roof, which I was eager to do. So, I worked with them on the ground, clearing debris. However, that work quickly ended. The next day, with nothing left to do on the ground, I climbed up to help repair the roof. I barely understood Ukrainian, but the work itself spoke a universal language. If you pay attention, you can figure out how to help. It’s important to me that people know I’m happy to work alongside them, even if I don’t fully understand their words.”

Over time, Jason adapted so well that fellow volunteers assumed he was fluent in Ukrainian, as he skillfully executed tasks. He didn’t rush to reveal that he was simply adept at grasping the essence of a job while slowly learning the language.

During his time in Ukraine, Jason has worked on rebuilding numerous sites—mostly residential homes in war-torn towns and villages in the Kyiv region—and even helped clear rubble in Kyiv after missile attacks. His favorite task is roof repair, where he has become an expert. Additionally, he occasionally uses his hairstyling skills, a profession he honed in the U.S. However, he notes that working directly with people whose lives have been shattered by war leaves a profound emotional impact:

“The hardest part is realizing that you’re becoming part of someone’s story on one of the worst days of their lives. You must accept that you can only return a fraction of what they’ve lost.”

Before coming to Ukraine, Jason thoroughly prepared by studying photos and videos of destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals. He witnessed and empathized with the grief of civilians blindsided by war. While he thought he was mentally prepared for what he would see, Jason was deeply moved by the resilience of Ukrainians, who continue to live despite the hardships. His experiences with Dobrobat have only reinforced this admiration:

“I believe Dobrobat is exactly what it should be: a platform that unites people ready to act, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to make a difference.”

Jason has set three goals during his time in Ukraine. First, to contribute personally to the country’s rebuilding and help those affected by the war. Second, to support the country’s economic recovery and business development. Lastly, to immerse himself in Ukrainian language and culture and share these experiences with his friends and family back home. Gradually, he is achieving these aims:

“The first goal is nearly accomplished through my work with Dobrobat. The second is happening simply by living here and supporting local businesses—I don’t hesitate to spend a bit more when I can. The third is unfolding as I delve into Ukrainian traditions: celebrating Christmas and New Year with songs, plunging into icy water, dancing during Ivana Kupala, and diligently studying the language.”

Jason shares his experiences in Ukraine on Facebook and TikTok. Sometimes, he dons traditional Ukrainian attire when working at the salon, and if not in a vyshyvanka, he always wears a pin with the colors of the Ukrainian flag. His clients, surprised and delighted to see an American hairstylist with patriotic symbols, often start conversations about Ukraine. Jason eagerly shares his emotions and insights from his extraordinary journey:

“I tell people worldwide about rebuilding Ukraine and the crucial role of volunteerism in this process. I also emphasize how indifference or hatred can cause immense harm—to businesses, homes, and lives. Restoring what has been lost requires tremendous effort, deep compassion, and boundless love. But it’s worth it.”