Local Army veteran killed while trying to save civilians in Ukraine

INDIANA, Pa. — Trent Davis of Indiana, a U.S. Army veteran, was 21 years old when he volunteered to fight in the war for Ukraine and was killed.

His mother said when she got the call, she dropped the floor and cried.

“He died for their freedom,” said Davis’ mother, Janie Broadbent. “I just didn’t think I would get the phone call. You just don’t think it will happen to you; not your son, not your kid.”

Davis graduated from Indiana Area High School and afterward joined the army for about four years.

His mother said Davis went over to Ukraine to try to make a difference.

“He just felt at this time, that America didn’t need him, that Ukraine needed him more than America,” said Broadbent. “There were innocent children, wives, mothers and fathers who are all being killed over there, and he just felt the need to go over and help them.”

Trent first went to Ukraine in March to help train hundreds of civilians and soldiers.

Then he decided to go back in October. Then on Nov. 8, Broadbent said Trent was shot and killed while trying to save several civilians.

“They were loaded up, and Trent and another guy noticed there were other civilians, and they actually went back for them and that’s when he got shot,” said Broadbent.

She said Davis was a kind, adventurous, funny and courageous person who would do anything for anyone.

In his will, Davis said he would have regretted it for the rest of his life if he didn’t go over to Ukraine to help.

His mother said Davis died for something he truly believed in, standing up for others.

“I’m proud of him. Even though you don’t agree with the decisions that your child makes, you do have to support them,” said Broadbent. “Just don’t stop your children from making a difference, even if it takes losing them.”

Davis’ body was just returned to the U.S. on Sunday. The family is holding a public memorial service for him this Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home.

The family made a GoFundMe page to help provide aid for Ukraine. Click here to donate.

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