The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
The operator of the 3rd Regiment of the Special Operations Forces, known as “Bear”, has five children, but voluntarily joined the military to defend Ukraine.
His story was published on the channel of the Special Operations Forces of the AFU.
“I’m 43 years old, I have five kids, but I always wanted to be in the SOF. Of course, it’s hard, but I improved my physical fitness — and here I am”, — he said.
In 2014, when Russians entered Crimea, he went to the military enlistment office in the morning. He spent some time in a rear position, but later moved to the 44th Artillery Brigade as a combat vehicle driver.
“Unfortunately, at that time firing 152-mm shells was already prohibited, so we only stood on duty at positions. It was very unpleasant when requests came in to support the infantry, but we were forbidden to fire. After a short break, I signed a contract with the 72nd Brigade, but I couldn’t transfer to a combat unit there either, because they needed drivers”, — “Bear” said.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he heard about recruitment to one of the units of the 8th SOF Regiment, with which he took part in the Kharkiv counteroffensive as an operator.
“There were very interesting missions — road mining, ambushes. But later part of the unit joined the 3rd Assault Brigade, and I transferred to them for some time as well. I fought in the Bakhmut direction, in Klishchiivka. But eventually I realized the SOF suited me more”, — “Bear” noted.
He was discharged due to family circumstances — he has five children, including three minors. After some rest at home, he decided to join the 3rd Regiment.
“Of course, there were some concerns about age — I was 42 then; they said I might not pass the medical for an operator. But I suggested giving it a try, passed the physical tests, and now I’m here. My expectations were immediately justified — I was pleasantly surprised by the supplies, training, relationships. We are like one family here!” — “Bear” emphasized.
