Leonid L. Liushenko

49-year-old Staff Sergeant Leonid Lyushenko (call sign Uncle Lenya) died in the hospital on October 7, 2023, from wounds received during the performance of a combat mission near the village of Zelene in the Mykolaiv region. At that time, an enemy ballistic missile hit the position. Leonid was born in the village of Myhiya, Mykolaiv region. Since 1999, he lived in the settlement of Velykodolynske, Odesa region. He began his military career at the age of 17. From 1992, he served in the National Guard of Ukraine, where on his 18th birthday he took the "march-jump" test, which remained memorable to him for the rest of his life. He served until 1994, and then joined the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, where he worked from 1995 to 1999. In 2000, he transferred to the 160th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, where he served until his death. He carried out combat missions on the territory of the Joint Forces Operation. In his free time, Leonid always spent with his family. He even had a tattoo - "Family above all". He very much loved to learn and discover new things. "Work is work, home is home," he always said. He loved to do something with his own hands. His rest was always to be engaged in something, to be in motion, to make, repair, draw, help. His relatives have kept memorable things made by his hands. He also played sports and kept himself in good physical shape. He loved to travel in his own car. He always thought about leaving something behind. He planted trees, one of which was a maple. He wished that everyone would look at this tree and remember him. He dreamed of grandchildren and a peaceful life. But the full-scale war changed the life of the family and the man himself. Leonid continued to carry out combat missions at the front line. He held the position of S-300 technician. For over 30 years of continuous service, the man repeatedly received awards, thanks and diplomas. Among them: medals "15 Years of the Armed Forces of Ukraine", "20 Years of Conscientious Service", "Veteran of Service", "Operation of the Joint Forces. For Valor and Loyalty", the badge "Veteran of War". Posthumously, he was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree and the badge "Combatant's Cross". "A true patriot of Ukraine. In life, he was very responsible, hardworking and disciplined. He dedicated his entire conscious life to military service. A reliable support and support for the family, relatives, friends. Always compassionate, kind and bright person. The best husband and father," said the eldest daughter of the deceased, Ivanna. The military was buried in the settlement of Velykodolynske, Odesa region. Leonid is survived by his wife Anna, daughters Ivanna and Lydia. A memorial film about Leonid Lyushenko was released on the anniversary of his death.