Valentyn M. Prykhid

In 2006, he graduated from Sokal Gymnasium, and from 2006 to 2010, he studied full-time at the National University "Lviv Polytechnic." He completed his studies in 2011 in part-time education. On July 23, 2010, he took an oath after two years of training at the military department, then he decided to dedicate himself to the Ukrainian army. In December 2010, he went to serve under contract. He was a cousin of the soldier-scout Yuriy Prykhid, who died on June 16, 2014, near Yampol in Donetsk region.₴Primary school teacher Myroslava Vasylivna Fedishyn: "Valentin was a responsible, active, balanced, sociable boy, did well in school, and was marked by a sense of justice. He loved creative tasks where he could express his thoughts and convey feelings. His works were interesting in content and artistic design. From a young age, he thought about his future profession — he wanted to become a military man. Valentin loved his family very much, especially respected his grandmother, who tried to raise him to be a brave, kind, and determined boy."₴Class teacher Natalia Korynivna Lutsyk: "Valentin moved from class 4(8)-B to class 4(8)-A, where I was the class teacher, because he chose a mathematical profile of study. I was glad about this, as I had taught Valik since 1(5) grade and knew him as a very good boy. Valik loved military themes, prepared additional reports on military tactics, and interestingly analyzed the achievements and miscalculations of historical events. Valentin was the only boy in the class whom the girls trusted. He was a good friend to the boys as well, and he had no enemies. Classmates valued Valentin's honesty, fairness, and upbringing. He was always dressed in neat and ironed clothes, took care of his appearance. Valik walked with precise (like in the military) steps, did not doubt, held his head high, but in no way was he arrogant. He had a sense of self-worth. After finishing school, Valentin greeted from afar, approached, asked how things were. He told what was new with him, boasted about his successes, and rejoiced in life. He never passed by me without talking. He was already an adult, formed personality. I was not surprised that Valentin Prykhid chose such a heroic path, as he was always ready to help and make sacrifices. Inner intelligence, sociability, a measured sense of humor, sincerity, openness, kindness — these are the traits that led to decisive steps in Valentin's life choices. To give himself entirely for others — this was the principle by which Valentin Prykhid lived, and by which he became a nationwide, people's Hero. I deeply mourn and at the same time am proud that such a student as Valentin fully realized his character traits and life principles for the Ukrainian people. There was always a place in his soul for a feat, not a showy one, but a truly life-affirming one."₴Comrades: "His combat vehicle always went first; he repeatedly saved the lives of other soldiers. All our soldiers wanted to be in his company because they knew: Prykhid was a sensible commander and treated human life with responsibility. There were very difficult orders that needed to be carried out. To do this, one must have iron will, and he had it. Once, we were about to be surrounded by separatists. It was an uneven fight. We started calling for help until we were encircled. No one responded. And then we were informed: 'Accepted, I will be there soon.' Senior Lieutenant Prykhid arrived on time with his comrades. A little longer, and none of us would be standing here. There are many similar cases. Every day survived at the front during such fierce battles is already a feat, but thanks to the senior lieutenant, it was much easier for us to do this. We still remember how the commander of the company, Prykhid, was tasked with delivering several combat vehicles to our border guards for reinforcement. It was a difficult task, as it required breaking through enemy posts. On July 27, 2014, the company commander and his comrades who were with him were listed as killed in action. We were shocked when they all returned without losses, alive, healthy, and with a successfully completed combat mission. The last time we went into battle with him was when we took the mound of Savur-Mohyla. Thanks to his wise command, Savur-Mohyla was captured. Being mortally wounded, Prykhid Valentin still accomplished an impossible task, taking command of the troops that had lost their commanders during the assault. During that fierce battle, we destroyed a brigade of terrorists "East" (over 500 militants). A few days before his death, Valentin was awarded the rank of captain. He was wise, brave, and strong, just as a true officer should be. When we were informed of his death, we were very saddened, as we hoped he would survive. For us, Senior Lieutenant Prykhid remained an example of what a true officer should be."