“The duty of every patriot is to defend his Motherland” — the story of the National Guard Artem
He served as a border guard and dog handler in the police, and now he is a volunteer in the National Guard of Ukraine. Artem associated a significant part of his adult life with service in the structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The last few years he has mastered the civil specialty — he has worked as a lighting designer. And on February 24, I had to recall the military experience.
“After the declaration of martial law, I was obliged within 24 hours to arrive at the recruitment center or to the military unit. I was ready for this, because the war in the country has been going on for eight years. Maybe she wasn't everywhere and not everyone felt her, but she was walking. In February, everything went to a new level. So there were no surprises for me. I knew I had to go to war. There was no doubt here, I don't even remember how easy or difficult it was to make the decision to volunteer, among the first. It is the duty of every patriot - to defend his homeland from invaders,” the guard shares.
In recent years, Artem worked as a lighting master. Provided lighting effects at concerts and festivals. But ten years of service experience helped to adapt again in the army. Both physically and psychologically, the guard recalls, it was much easier than for those who had never served.
“There are a lot of mobilizers in my unit. Everyone is different: someone has army experience, and someone does not. But we are all adults here and we will find out what we are here for. Some may have found it unusual to hear and execute commands, but all communicated within the charter and with respect. At least disdainful of someone, I can't remember. Each person is a person, everyone has different preferences and habits. This should be treated with understanding,” the man says.
Now Artem, together with his brothers, guards strategic objects. In addition, the fighters practice tactics of conducting combat and first aid. Learning legends are more and more complicated. The hardest thing, the man admits, is to help a wounded comrade during a fight. At the same time, you have to fight, and choke the enemy with fire, and impose a turnstile, and evacuate your comrades. Of course, everyone in the unit is practicing these skills, but secretly wishes they weren't needed.
And guys often think about winning. Artem believes that it is impossible to predict how this will happen, but it will be necessary. They and their brothers are making every effort to bring such a desired day closer:
“Victory Day will not be like some traditional pompous events. It will definitely be Ukrainian, and therefore we will celebrate it with Ukrainian pride and sincerity.”
National Guard of Ukraine
