Honoring the Heroes of Ukraine: A Tribute to Pilots "Juice" and "Moonfish"

Juice (left) and Moonfish (right) came to lobby for the F16. One got to fly it. Peace to the warriors.

As I sit down to write these words, my heart is heavy with grief, but also with immense pride. In recent days, the world lost two extraordinary souls—Ukrainian pilots known by their call signs "Juice" and "Moonfish." Juice passed on August 25th, 2023, and Moonfish just this Monday, one year and one damn day after Juice. These men were not just warriors in the skies; they were symbols of resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit of Ukraine. Having had the profound honor of meeting with them, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that they embodied the very best of what it means to stand for freedom and democracy.

When I met Juice and Moonfish, I was struck by their unwavering commitment to their mission. They were young, full of life, and yet carried a maturity beyond their years—a maturity forged in the fires of war. They spoke of their love for Ukraine with a quiet intensity, a love that was evident in every action they took, every sortie they flew, and every enemy they engaged. They knew the risks, understood the stakes, and yet, they never hesitated.

I asked them both what it was like to be in Washington DC in the middle of the war. I could tell they missed being in the fight, even for the short time they were lobbying for the F16, but Juice told me what so many other visiting Ukrainians did “The silence is deafening.” He was referring to the lack of air raid sirens, which become almost background white noise to those in Ukraine. Imagine, loud Washington DC with it’s city noises sounding…quiet.

Juice had a presence that reassured those around him. He was a thinker, always considering the larger picture, always calculating the next move. But beneath that calm exterior was a fierce warrior, a man who would not rest until his homeland was free from tyranny. Juice was the kind of leader who inspired others to follow him, not because he demanded it, but because he earned it through his actions and his integrity. He didn’t drink alcohol, a rarity among pilots, hence the call sign “juice.”

Moonfish, on the other hand, was a force of nature. He was not comfortable with the spotlight, but his energy was infectious, his passion palpable. I’m told he was the type of person who could lift the spirits of an entire squadron with just a smile or a well-timed joke. But make no mistake, when it came time to fly, Moonfish was all business. His skills as a pilot were unmatched, his instincts razor-sharp. He had a natural talent for flying, but it was his heart that set him apart. Moonfish flew not just for victory, but for justice—for the children of Ukraine, for the future of his nation. He was the very first trained F16 pilot for Ukraine, and carried that pride even into his death.

The loss of Juice and Moonfish is a devastating blow, not just to Ukraine, but to the entire free world. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the cost of freedom, a cost that is paid in the blood of heroes. But their legacy is not one of sorrow; it is one of inspiration. These men fought with everything they had, not for glory, but for the simple right of their people to live in peace and dignity.

As we mourn their passing, let us also celebrate their lives. Let us remember the courage they displayed, the lives they saved, and the hope they inspired. Juice and Moonfish were more than just pilots—they were the embodiment of Ukraine's fight for freedom. Their legacy will live on in the hearts of those who continue the fight, in the skies above Ukraine, and in the future they helped to secure.

I stand with Ukraine, as I have always done, but today, I stand with a deeper resolve, inspired by the bravery of Juice and Moonfish. Their memory will serve as a beacon, guiding us all in the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy. We owe it to them to carry forward their mission, to continue the fight, and to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. Throw a nickel on the grass.

They, and so many of Ukraine’s sons and daughters that have died, deserve a legacy of a free, strong, and stable Ukraine.

Slava Ukrainii