Oleksandr D. Chalenko (Bron)

Soldier Oleksandr Chalenko (call sign Bron) was killed on July 19, 2022 near the village of Liubomyrivka in the Mykolaiv region. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained a fatal shrapnel wound to the chest. The defender was 43 years old. Oleksandr was born in the village of Chechelivka, Vinnytsia region. After completing his secondary education at the local school, he moved to Lviv. In 2000, he married his beloved Nadiia, who later gave birth to their two daughters: Viktoriia in 2002 and Uliana 10 years later. He worked various jobs and often went to earn money. For many years, he was a minibus driver at the company "Provesіn-Ahroinvest". He spent his free time with his family and also enjoyed fishing. In 2014-2016, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation. During the full-scale war, the man went to the front again to protect his loved ones and home. He fought in the ranks of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Yakov Handziuk. He went through various hot spots. He always believed in victory over the enemy. "Sashko was a true person, closer to the spiritual than the material. Throughout his life, the most important thing for him was to remain himself. His excessive sense of justice contributed to his participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation and the fight against Russian aggression in 2022. Innate patriotism was one of the qualities of his character. His daughters were of great value to Oleksandr. Perhaps he did not have golden mountains, but he always tried to be the best father. He paid a lot of attention and care to his children. He was one of those men who are not ashamed to say: 'I love you, children.' A kind person, he loved animals, fishing, and communion with nature. He always kept himself in good physical shape. He highly valued people, and they were drawn to him. He was killed a Hero, defending us from the enemy. In his last messages, he wrote: 'I have been through hell. I was lucky five times, I don't know if I'll make it the sixth time. I don't mind dying for my children and grandchildren...' People from all over the country came to say goodbye to him. Hundreds of people. His soul smiled. We grieve, we love him endlessly," wrote his relatives, close ones, and friends. The warrior was buried in his native Chechelivka, Vinnytsia region. His two daughters and ex-wife were waiting for Oleksandr. In November 2023, soldier Oleksandr Chalenko was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage III degree.