Oleh S. Yashchyshyn (Pincher)

55-year-old Colonel Oleg Yashchyshen (call sign Pinchuk) was killed in action on March 13, 2022, during a rocket attack on the training center of the National Academy of Ground Forces in the village of Starychi, Lviv region. Oleg was born into a family of a Ukrainian serviceman in the village of Kapustin Yar, Astrakhan region (Russia). The family itself originated from Khmelnytskyi. The man decided to follow in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the Novosibirsk Higher Military-Political School, participated in the Afghan war, and received the Order of the Red Star. After the declaration of Ukraine's independence, he joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. In 1997-1999 he stu at the National Defense Academy, after which he became the commander of a separate special purpose battalion of the 5th NGU division. After serving his time, he was discharged into the reserves, but in 2015 he was voluntarily mobilized into the ranks of the SBU. He held the position of chief of staff and in 2016 participated in the ATO. Throughout his military service, Colonel Yashchyshen had numerous awards, including the SBU medals "For Courage and Bravery," "Veteran of the Ministry of Defense," and "For Exemplary Service." From 2017, he held the position of military instructor at the Department of Tactics of the Petro Sahaidachny National Academy of Ground Forces in Lviv. In his free time, Oleg loved mountain and river tourism, stu military history, traveled, and visited many European countries. But most of all, he loved his family - he did everything for them. "A worthy man, a beloved husband, a true officer," said his wife Olena, also a participant in the ATO and a serviceman of the NGU. "I was lucky to have such a father. He was devoted to his work until the end and was always with us. He did everything for us. He gave my sister and me an incredible life. For many, he remains a good friend, a distinguished commander, and the cadets called him Batiya. Everyone who knew my father still mourns him and honors his memory," said his daughter Tetyana. The officer was buried at the Field of Honorary Burials of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. Oleg was survived by his mother Hanna, sister Liliya, wife Olena, and daughters Iryna and Tetyana.