Ihor Yu. Brozhyn (Batia)

Sailor Ihor Brozhyn (call sign Batya) died on November 9, 2022, near the village of Vodiane in the Donetsk region while carrying out a combat mission. At the end of November, he would have turned 43 years old. Ihor was born in the city of Haysyn in the Vinnytsia region. He graduated from the Bratslav Agro-Economic College with a degree in Banking. He worked at the Vinnytsia Poultry Factory processing complex, holding the position of production section operator. In his free time, he loved to fish. During the full-scale war, he joined the ranks of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 501st Separate Marine Battalion. He was a shooter—assistant grenade launcher. "From the first days of the war, he couldn't sit still. Despite the fact that Ihor had not served before, he made the decision to defend Ukraine and his children. Without waiting for a summons, he registered with the Military Registration and Enlistment Office. After training, he was already at the front lines in May. He never complained about how hard it was; his only response was, 'I'm fine, I love you.' Despite the harsh conditions at the front, Ihor found true friends and brothers-in-arms there who became his family. He always spoke well of his guys. When he was undergoing rehabilitation after being wounded, he said that even if he had the opportunity to be at home, he couldn't, because he couldn't leave his comrades. He was a caring father, loved his children dearly, and protected them as much as he could. He was and is a beloved husband who will remain forever in my heart. Thank you for the best, happiest years of our sadly short family life. You are the best man in the world to me, a friend, an advisor, the father of our beloved children. You were our support and strength. You flew as an angel in the heavenly army, where you will protect us, our native land, and your people. You are our hero. Thank you. Heroes do not die," wrote the wife of the fallen. The defender was buried at the Alley of Glory in the cemetery in Haysyn. At home, Ihor was awaited by his parents, wife Valentyna, daughter Emiliya, and son Danylo.