Ihor H. Hroza (Rodych)

31-year-old senior soldier Ihor Hroza was killed in action on February 25, 2022, during the defense of Chernihiv. His unit came under enemy artillery fire. One of the explosions occurred near the BMP of the defenders, as a result of which the fighter received fatal shrapnel wounds. Ihor Hroza is a native of the village of Zhavyntsi, Chernihiv region. He stu at the school in Slabyn. He served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine from 1998-2000. Then he worked as a mechanic for the repair of equipment in thermal networks in PJSC "Chernihivsilsvit." In 2018, he received higher education at Chernihiv National Technological University. He loved his family very much, especially his daughters, active recreation, and reading books. Ihor's military path began in 2014 when he defended his homeland in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He participated in the ATO as part of the 41st Territorial Defense Battalion "Chernihiv-2." From 2016-2021, he served under contract in the 5th Separate Communications Regiment and the 132nd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion. He carried out combat missions on the territory of the JFO along the entire front line. On February 24, 2022, Ihor once again took up arms. He took the position of a shooter in the 162nd Separate Battalion of the 119th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and defended his native Chernihiv region. The next day, his unit was tasked with entrenching in the area of the village of Khalyavyn. Together with servicemen of the 1st Separate Tank Brigade, they had to prevent Russian occupiers from taking positions near Chernihiv. The unit, in which Ihor Hroza operated, was one of the first to engage in battle with the Russians and inflicted significant damage. However, under the onslaught of enemy equipment, Ukrainian warriors were forced to retreat to more secure positions. The hero's life was cut short during the battle. "He is an extraordinary person. Even from a distance, he could protect and take care of his family. Ihor was the best in everything: the best father, the best husband, the best friend, the best comrade-in-arms. He will be with us forever...," said the wife of the fallen warrior. The soldier was buried in his native village. At home, Ihor was awaited by his wife Yulia, daughters Diana and Kyra. Posthumously, the defender was awarded the Order of "For Courage" III degree.