Mykola I. Dreha (Did)

Sergeant Major Mykola Dreha (call sign Grandfather) was killed on February 1, 2023, while defending the southern outskirts of Bakhmut, Donetsk region. The warrior was 57 years old. Mykola was born in the village of Kopanky, Kharkiv region. After finishing the 4th grade in Kopanky, he continued his studies at a school in Berdyansk. He then obtained the profession of tractor driver-mechanic and locksmith at the Kehychivsky Vocational and Technical School. In 1983-1985, he served in the military, where he received the rank of sergeant major. He worked as a mechanic and locksmith at rural and farm enterprises. He had a great talent for technology and was never afraid of work. He was always a diligent and responsible employee, respected by his colleagues and management. On August 14, 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Mykola served in the 17th Separate Rifle Battalion, holding the position of senior sergeant - commander of the anti-tank platoon. Since November 2022, he has been defending Bakhmut together with his comrades-in-arms. He was an honest and worthy person who could stand up for his principles, views and values. He treated those around him with respect, was always ready to help, and was kind and sensitive. He always fought against injustice, was not afraid to defend his beliefs, and was honest and courageous. His life motto was: "It is better to die standing than to live on your knees all your life." His death was a great and painful loss for his family, as he was a loving husband, caring grandfather, and the best dad in the world. He valued and cared for his loved ones, and was a reliable and strong support for his family. He was concerned about the fate of our people and could not just sit and wait for victory, so he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine without hesitation to defend his native land from the enemy. He said: "Who, if not me?", and promised to return with victory. Mykola Dreha was buried in his native village. The fallen defender left behind his wife Yulia, daughter Yulia, granddaughters Kristina and Evelina, and brother Anatoliy.