A US citizen from Texas thought that his family had found paradise in Russia thanks to a project that invited US families to migrate. What tempted them to migrate to Russia was the country’s “traditional values” and strict opposition to LGBTQ+ communities and woke ideas; however, the Texas man is likely regretting his decision now after Russian authorities quickly sent him to the Russo-Ukraine War frontlines after three weeks.
46-year-old Derek Huffman is the US citizen in question, and he initially uprooted his family to Russia as a welder and as part of Russia’s American Village program. Derek even joined the Russian military to speed up his citizenship. Now, despite assurances that Derek wouldn’t be sent to the war and that he would serve in a non-combat role, the Russian military has effectively made him a mechanic in a frontline repair battalion.
So far, it appears Derek is fine, but his wife has documented the migration and is now severely worried for her husband’s safety:
“Feels like he is being thrown to the wolves right now, and he is kind of having to lean on faith,” says Derek Huffman’s wife, DeAnna, transcript courtesy of Euromaidan Press
Derek’s wife initially appeared enthusiastic about the move, but after his husband was sent to the frontlines, she is now petitioning several groups and public figures to get him reassigned. Additionally, Derek’s wife reported some kind of delayed or nonexistent paycheck despite one month of Derek’s service passing by. In fact, the Russian military has even demanded a donation of 10,000 roubles ($127) for supplies, which, if you ask me, sounds like the family is being strung along by the Russian authorities.
Could’ve Just Moved to a Redder State
As we mentioned above, Derek Huffman’s primary reason for joining the Russian military and leaving the US was to escape woke ideologies and to raise his family in “traditional values.” The Huffman family was also enticed by the American Village program advertised by Tim Kirby, an American media personality who promotes Vladimir Putin’s propaganda.
I’m of the opinion that Derek simply could’ve moved to Wyoming or some other state with more Republicans or conservatives than Texas, or even just moved to a farm. At least he wouldn’t be fighting someone else’s war that way. Now, Derek is being criticized online, and many people are shaking their heads in disapproval at his decisions.
After all, Derek wasn’t the first US citizen who pledged loyalty to Russia and even joined the military. 21-year-old Michael Gloss, a CIA executive’s son, notably fought for Russia in 2024 and was killed in Ukraine.
“This is a classic case of fuck around and find out,” says Kilgor-TroutST
“This is a case study in leopards at my face,” points out SharksAndBarks
“We don’t want him back,” claims HashBrownRepublic
“My favorite part is that they’re apparently having difficulty getting his promised paychecks. Russia has very clearly been stringing them along, keeping them directly dependent upon the state, which makes them useful for propaganda videos.
Also, who the hell trusts military recruiters of a state actively in war and demonstrably having issues supplying the front lines with bodies? It’s obviously a lie. I’m guessing he was voluntold,” asks WhereasParticular867
