I just went home and stayed to serve

He comes from the Kirovohrad region. Before the full-scale war, he worked on the railway as an assistant driver of an electric locomotive. He says life was normal: work, a bit of football, his plans.
In the unit, he is known by the nickname "Baghdad".
On February 24, he met him on a business trip in the Odesa region.
In the morning, his mother called: something was already happening in their village, next to the military unit.
He made a decision immediately.
He returned home and went to the military commissariat. They refused there: there was armor from the railway. But it didn't change anything.
He just went to a unit in his village.
"I said: I want to serve."
Already in the evening he was standing in a position in the anti-aircraft defense unit.
He started in the air defense unit, worked with an anti-aircraft installation. We actually lived in the positions, worked around the clock.
He recalls one of the nights when they repelled a mass attack.
"Then our units hit a total of about 15 aerial targets in one night."
Later he realized that he could do more.
And life gave him such an opportunity - he ended up in the 41st brigade, where he continued his service as a mortar crew.
"There is a friend from my village. We are here together and still serve."
Working in the settlement is about harmony and trust.
He says that it was important for them to stay together - they voiced it, they were heard, and later it happened.
And he adds that this is not an exception. In the brigade, if possible, they listen to people - if there is a chance to make the fighter as effective as possible in his place, it is taken into account. Because, in the end, it's about a joint result and making the unit work harder.
"We have very good drivers. We trust them completely. They can get out of any situation."
He says that it works best where there is trust and understanding between people.
There were situations when it was necessary to stick to character.
Once their calculation came under fire. They hid for several days and waited for evacuation.
"They couldn't take us away for four days. But we kept the mortar. It was fundamental."
The mortar had to be literally dug out of the buried dugout.
As a result, everyone came back - and that's the most important thing.
He says that over time comes an understanding of one's role and confidence in actions.
"You understand: if it's not you, no one will do it for you."
And he adds: the main thing is people around and mutual support.
Different people serve in the unit - of different ages. and experience.
Some adapt faster, some need time, but everyone works together.
"We do everything that is required of us."
The strength of the 41st brigade begins with each individual soldier. From his decision, actions and responsibility.
It is from such stories that a unit is formed that keeps its direction.