Admiral Rob Bauer Deepens Long-Term Support for the Children of Heroes

Admiral Rob Bauer, former Chair of NATO’s Military Committee (2021–2025), has been a consistent and deeply engaged supporter of the Children of Heroes Foundation — long before the release of his new book, If You Want Peace, Prepare for War. His commitment goes far beyond a single initiative: it is a sustained partnership rooted in empathy, responsibility, and the belief that Ukraine’s future begins with its children.

For many months, Admiral Bauer has been actively raising awareness of the Foundation across his professional network and personal circles. He speaks widely about the mission of Children of Heroes, shares the stories of young Ukrainians whose lives have been shattered by war, and encourages others to join him in supporting them. This autumn, during a series of sociocultural events across the Netherlands, he has been telling audiences about the Foundation — including the moving story of ten-year-old Iryna, who took up her fallen father’s mission to help Ukraine’s defenders.

A portion of the proceeds from Bauer’s new book will be donated to the Children of Heroes Charity Fund. Yet the book is only one channel through which he is mobilizing support. His ongoing advocacy, personal involvement, and readiness to champion Ukraine’s war-affected children have transformed our cooperation into a productive, long-term partnership. Joint events in both the Netherlands and Ukraine are already planned for next year.

Reflecting on his motivation, Admiral Bauer said:  “The children of Ukraine are showing immense resilience amidst a devastating war. They deserve our full support; now and in years to come. I am deeply impressed by the scale and depth of the Children of Heroes foundation’s work. They are building the foundation for Ukraine’s future.”

The Foundation’s CEO, Tetiana Novytska, emphasized the significance of such support: “The attention of figures like Rob Bauer gives strength to the Ukrainian people in their daily fight against evil and inspires those who have lost their loved ones. As long as the democratic world stands with Ukraine, evil will not prevail.”

Today, the Children of Heroes Charity Fund supports nearly 15,000 children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. Their stories are heartbreaking — yet full of courage.

• A young girl who began crafting flower crowns to raise money for the frontline after her father was killed.

• A toddler who survived occupation and severe trauma, now slowly recovering through intensive rehabilitation.
• A teenager who lost his family in shelling and spent years in captivity before finally returning home.
• A girl whose parents saved her life moments before a missile struck their home, and who now finds hope again through dance.

These children carry unimaginable losses — and extraordinary resilience. The Foundation provides them with long-term, individualized support: humanitarian aid, psychological and medical care, educational assistance, and developmental opportunities designed to help them rebuild their lives and shape a future filled with dignity and possibility.

Admiral Bauer’s steadfast support underscores a powerful truth: when leaders champion the cause of Ukraine’s most vulnerable, they help protect not only the present but the future of an entire nation.