Admiral Rob Bauer joins Children of Heroes Charity Fund as advisor

Admiral Rob Bauer, former Chair of the NATO Military Committee, is joining Children of Heroes Charity Fund as an Advisor. This marks a new chapter in our collaboration, dedicated to supporting Ukrainian children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the war.

Rob Bauer is a Dutch retired military officer and Admiral of the Royal Netherlands Navy. From 2021 to 2025, he served as Chair of the NATO Military Committee. Previously, from October 2017 to April 2021, he held the position of Chief of Defence of the Netherlands. Admiral Bauer has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, consistently emphasizing the shared responsibility of the democratic world for Ukraine’s security and future.

Admiral Bauer has long been a friend and partner of our Fund. He actively raises awareness of the Children of Heroes Charity Fund among international audiences, draws attention to the needs of Ukrainian children, and helps bring new supporters to our mission. In particular, proceeds from the Ukrainian translation of his book, If You Want Peace, Prepare for War, are directed towards supporting children under the Fund’s care.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Admiral Rob Bauer as an Advisor to our Fund. His support is particularly meaningful because it reflects not only his international standing and influence, but also his genuine personal commitment to our mission. We firmly believe that caring for children who have lost their parents to war is a shared responsibility of Ukraine and the international community. After all, Ukraine’s recovery will depend not only on its security and rebuilt infrastructure, but also on the opportunities we create for the next generation today,” says Anna Yermolaieva, Executive Director of Children of Heroes Charity Fund.

“Protecting Ukraine’s future means more than defending its borders. It also means standing beside the children who will one day shape that future. The Children of Heroes foundation offers exactly what the name entails: a foundation for resilience for those who lost their parents in the service of freedom and democracy.” – Rob Bauer, Admiral.

Rob Bauer’s involvement with the Fund marks an important step towards strengthening international cooperation and raising global awareness of the needs of Ukrainian children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the war. 

Together, we are working to ensure that children who have experienced an irreplaceable loss do not lose their chance for a happy and fulfilling future. Supporting children who have lost their parents to war is a long-term investment in Ukraine’s future. These children will grow up, pursue careers, contribute to the development of the economy, science, and culture, and help strengthen the country. The opportunities we create for their education, personal growth, and fulfilment today will shape the society we build tomorrow.