Call Sign “Dioma”: From Electrician to Gun Commander

On the first day of the full-scale invasion, Dioma went to the military recruitment office. Before that, he worked as an electrician and did some automotive welding. At home were his wife and two children. Ahead lay service in the artillery, where he would rise from a gun crew member to a gun commander.

He talks about his decision simply, with a smile:

“A guy from my hometown talked me into it. Said everything would be great. On the first day, when the missiles started flying, I went to the recruitment office.”

That was how his artillery service began.

Looking back on those early days, Dioma says there were plenty of things he did that he now sees differently. Experience changes people and teaches them to reconsider their decisions.

But much of his story is about the people beside him. Many of those mobilized had joined with a determination to defend their country. Those were the brothers-in-arms he tried to stick with.

“I tried to fight alongside those who wanted to be there.”

He started as a gun crew member and later became a gun commander. He describes the artillerymen’s work without lengthy explanations: their fire gave the Russians no peace.

There is also a story Dioma cannot share in detail just yet. We can say this much: afterwards, he and his brothers-in-arms received awards. And the Russians certainly had nothing to laugh about.

What exactly they did is a story for when the time is right. It deserves to be heard.

Dioma himself recalls the episode with a smile. No grand speeches—just the kind of humor that tells you his brothers-in-arms have something worth remembering, while the enemy has something they probably still curse.

Dioma speaks proudly of his children. His daughter graduated with honors from a teacher training institute, and his son is still studying at a lyceum. Alongside stories of artillery and combat, there is room for the everyday joys of being a father.

He does not sugarcoat military service. But towards the end, he makes one thing clear:

“We haven’t lost hope in our victory.”

That is how his story comes together: a civilian trade, the decision to defend his country, artillery, and brothers-in-arms. And the humor Dioma has kept through everything he has experienced.

Everyone has their own path into military service. Dioma’s took him from electrical work to commanding an artillery gun. Yours can begin with a conversation with a recruiter from the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade. Get in touch—we’ll get to know you, answer your questions, and tell you about opportunities to serve in the brigade.