Oleksandr I. Pazushchan (Pazik)

28-year-old National Guard soldier Oleksandr Pazushchan (call sign Pazik) was killed in action in a military hospital on July 4, 2022. Three days before that, while performing a combat mission in the area of the village of Udy on Kharkivshchyna, the defender received severe injuries during an enemy mortar shelling. Doctors fought for his life, but the hero's heart did not withstand. Oleksandr was born in the village of Yabluchne, Sumy region. After finishing school, he entered the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics. He stu for 3 years and in 2016 signed a contract with the National Guard of Ukraine. He took part in the ATO in Donbas. After completing his contract, he returned to Kharkiv and worked at a furniture factory. With the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the man returned to the ranks of the National Guard to once again defend his native country. He served in the 3rd Brigade of Operational Assignment named after Colonel Petro Bolbochan. He was the chief sergeant of the operational assignment platoon of the operational assignment company (on armored personnel carriers). He took part in the defense of Kharkivshchyna. Oleksandr was brave, bold, cheerful, kind, life-loving, a true soul of the company. Comrades said that he was a true warrior, a great patriot, a fighter for the freedom and independence of his people, never losing his spirit. Oleksandr became an example of unbreakability and strength of spirit for many. He always helped everyone who needed it. He was a true friend, comrade. He had many plans, but unfortunately, he did not have time to implement them... He very much wanted a son, but did not have time to enjoy fatherhood. When the war began, his son was 6 months old. No matter how much I begged him to stay with us, Oleksandr immediately decided to defend our state. Every day with a smile, he said that everything would be fine and we would be together soon. He made me the happiest, showed me what true love is. I was with him, as behind a stone wall. Next to me was a real man, always supporting me, never letting my spirit fall, no matter how hard it was. We had so many plans for the future, but in one moment, everything was destroyed. How much we miss him, how hard it is for us without him, but I have to be strong for the sake of our child, for the sake of his copy, I have to live for the two of us, - said the defender's wife, Karina. He was a true friend and a good brother, - added his sister, Olga. The hero was buried in his native village. Oleksandr left behind his parents, wife, son, relatives, friends, and comrades. Posthumously, Senior Sergeant Oleksandr Pazushchan was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.