An Austin veteran is raising money to send camo hoodies to civilians in Ukraine fighting against the Russian invasion.

AUSTIN, Texas - An Austin veteran, who served in Iraq and Eastern Europe, is working to help civilians in Ukraine fighting against the Russian invasion.

"It brought back memories from when I was in Bosnia," said Eric Mercado. "I remember driving around and seeing homes exploded - like torn to pieces. And, it triggered a lot of things in me. I remember coming back home in 2000, and I was like, man, we're lucky here in the United States. We're not having a war - we're not being bombed in our backyard like they are."

Eric Mercado served 27-years in the U.S. Army. 

He now owns MERC Performance Wear, a hunting and fishing clothing company. 

The Austin internet company employee describes the Russian missile attack, and is trying to escape the country with his family.

Mercado attended recent protests at the state capitol and, decided he was going to help outfit civilian fighters in Ukraine. This week, Mercado sent 30 camouflage hoodies to the Ukrainian embassy in Belgium, which will then send them off to Ukraine. 

And, he's designed and ordered a special camo hoodie, with a sewn-in gaiter, using the colors and pattern, closest to what the Ukrainian military wears.  

"It gives concealment from a good distance," said Mercado. "And, it could mean a matter of life and death. The more concealed you are, you're better hidden in the background of your area. It's harder for the enemy to see you. So, you have a little bit more of a chance. It will give them more hope as well."  

Mercado says he will continue to raise money, to send these camo hoodies to Ukrainian civilians, as long as the war continues. Any money that is left over will be donated to recovery or humanitarian efforts.

___ MORE HEADLINES:  Employee of Austin-based IT company flees Ukraine with young family What should you do in case of a nuclear explosion? U.S. government updates guidance How sunflowers, Ukraine's national flower, became a symbol of solidarity and resistance

___ DOWNLOAD: FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP SUBSCRIBE: Daily Newsletter | YouTube FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2022 FOX Television Stations