Julie Triukhan and her family have reunited and are living in Valencia, Spain. “We will miss them and always keep them close to our hearts,” the Farragut Rotarians posted.

You remember Julie, a teenager who came to Farragut from Ukraine in 2007 as an exchange student. Read Tom King’s stories here and here. After that summer, she returned to Ukraine, married and had two kids.

Julie and Dima

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. As bombs fell and soldiers advanced toward Kyiv, many people fled, Julie among them.

Julie’s first thought was her kids’ safety. She contacted Bill and Diana Vogel, her Farragut host parents when Julie was an exchange student at Webb.

They connected her with Rotarians in Slovakia who housed her until she could get to Poland and on a plane to the USA. She stayed with the Vogels while looking for an apartment; a Rotarian from another club gave her a car; and she quickly got a job. Rotarians collectively raised $39,000 toward her expenses.

Dima stayed behind to fight for Ukraine’s freedom. Julie was 5,000 miles from home with two little kids.

Bill Nichols heads the informal “Team Julie” for Farragut Rotary.

Bill said everyone loved Julie. She got involved with drama, music and even cheerleading at Webb School.

Julie with Mark and Molly

Dima and Julie met through music, Bill said. She played drums and piano for his band. Dima had no military training, but learned quickly and fought on the front lines. He and Julie talked every night. Time passed. Julie was unable to get a Green Card here, even with her now extensive network. “She spoke to about 20 Rotary clubs,” Bill said.

Dima was set for release from the military. He found a job in Valencia, Spain, with the company he had worked for in Ukraine. He sent for Julie and the kids and they were reunited in Valencia.

Here’s part of an email from Julie to Bill Nichols on May 8, 2026.

“It has now been two months since we moved to Spain, and I’m happy to say that we are settling in and beginning to build a new life.

“We are gradually adjusting to daily life here: learning new routines, trying to learn Spanish and navigating a different culture. One thing I can say for sure is that we all love Valencia! It’s a gorgeous city with rich culture and unique traditions.

“There have been some challenges with enrolling the kids in school, so they’ve been enjoying their extended spring break. We’re finally getting our immigration documents next week in Madrid. While there is still uncertainty ahead, we finally feel that we are moving forward, step by step, toward a more secure and hopeful future.

“Of course, the most meaningful part of this new chapter has been reuniting with Dima. Being together again as a family has brought us a sense of peace and strength that we deeply needed after everything we’ve been through.

“Dima and I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the Rotary Club once again. Your support during one of the most difficult times in our life made an incredible difference. You offered kindness, guidance and practical help, and we would not have made it without your compassion and generosity. You gave us not just assistance, but dignity, encouragement and hope!

“Our family will carry your kindness with us as we move forward, and we all are forever grateful!”

With help from Rotary, the Triukhan family found the strength (and luck) to survive a war and four-year separation to reunite their family in a safe place. And that’s a story.

Knoxville wants to know how you get to South Knoxville

Uh, how about Henley Bridge or swim?

Transportation planners are studying how people move between downtown and South Knoxville – and they need your input.

Take this survey before June 5.

Learn more about alternatives here.

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