Oleksii V. Hrashchenko (Diadia Losha, Sokol)

Serviceman Oleksii Grashchenko was killed on February 17, 2023, in battle with the occupiers near Vuhledar in the Donetsk region. In March, the defender would have turned 45 years old. Oleksii was born in the city of Fastiv, Kyiv region. He graduated from the Fastiv Lyceum-Boarding School. He then obtained a higher education at the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. He worked at the Monomar company as a leading dispatcher-logistician in the transport department. At the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Oleksii joined the volunteer formation of the Kozhanska territorial community. He was a platoon commander. And in the summer, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 72nd separate mechanized brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians. "If you describe what Oleksii was like, the most apt words would be: smiling, sincere, stubborn. He loved children and animals very much. The last time he came on vacation, he was tired, but despite everything, he was optimistic. We deeply sympathize with the relatives, friends, and all who were close to Oleksii, who were shoulder to shoulder with him!" wrote colleague Bohdan Barabash. "Oleksii Valeriiovych was a true patriot, a fighter for independence, cheerful and always smiling. His dream was to live in a free and independent Ukraine," the Fastiv City Council noted. "I remember Lioshka as a kind, decent, and positive person! Very sorry! Lioshka, may the earth be soft for you and the Kingdom of Heaven. Eternal memory to you! We will not forget!" wrote acquaintance Iryna Lutska. "Bright and eternal memory. I can't believe you're no longer with us, the cheerful, kind, sincere, always smiling Liokha," wrote fellow countryman Olena Tkachenko. The warrior was buried on the Alley of Glory of the International Cemetery in his native Fastiv. Oleksii is survived by his mother, brother, and three daughters.