Roman M. Nahliuk

"To you, my son, Romchik!" On August 4, 2017, it has been 3 years since you have been gone… It was on your 28th birthday, March 14, 2014, that our Romchik, captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, left with the 24th Mechanized Brigade of Yavoriv to the East — to defend Ukraine. On that very day, while congratulating him over the phone, I asked, "Where are you, son?" to which he replied, "On the train, going to war with Russia!" This news struck my heart with a sharp, burning pain. And barely holding back the nervous knot in my throat, I exclaimed, "What are you saying, son? What war? Why? With whom? With Russia? This cannot be!" I couldn't believe it until I heard about the first casualties… And thousands of thoughts drilled into my mind. Why? For what? Who needs this? Why this war? Who devised the plan to exterminate Ukrainians? Why does a brother shoot at a brother? Who opened Ukraine's borders and let in foreign equipment and mercenary troops? Thousands of "whys" and only one truth — war! Like a black kite, death takes the lives of our best warriors. Someone lost a son, someone — a brother, someone — a husband or father… Grief and pain. Lord, have mercy, save and protect! We all prayed and asked God to protect our Romchik and all the soldier boys, that everyone would remain alive and healthy, that this damned war would end soon, that the leaders would come to an agreement — and peace would come! But hopes were in vain. From July to September 2014, the ATO zone turned into a real hell… Daily heavy losses, the boys gather the scattered pieces of their comrades' bodies and grip their weapons even tighter. They are warriors, defenders, sworn to loyalty to Ukraine and its people, so they must fulfill their duty! It doesn't matter that they haven't eaten, slept, or even drunk water for several days; the main thing is to carry out the command and not betray the oath. These two factors were and are paramount for our soldiers in the ATO. They are true patriots! When I called Romchik, I asked, "How are you, son? When will the war end? What are you fighting for, kids?" He replied, "Ukraine is one for us. Here and there, our people are Ukrainians! That's why we fight for Ukraine, mom, for Ukraine! Because why have foreigners-mercenaries come to our land and destroy, kill, and rob? Why tear my Ukraine apart, dividing it into pieces? I took an oath and will defend my people! And even if I weren't a soldier, I would go as a volunteer!" Roman Mykolayovych — a tank driver, officer, captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — fulfilled his duty to the end! He was a kind, sincere, cheerful person. He loved and valued his family and Ukraine immensely. A great lover of life, he wanted to live and create because he had many talents. He understood both technology and music well, knew all the novelties, and could disassemble and assemble a tank or an armored personnel carrier with his eyes closed. He had a remarkable talent for painting and a beautiful voice. God gave him many talents, yet the military prevailed. And he would have been a general! But… On August 4, 2014, a terrible black news struck our home like thunder. Thousands of fierce lightning bolts tore the sky and the earth — and in an instant, everything turned black. This heavy loss grips our hearts with pain and sorrow. We do not want and cannot come to terms with the fact that our beloved son, brother, father is not here. Son, dear, we miss you so much and suffer for you! We miss you terribly, your boundless love, support, sincere smile, strong hugs. Only you knew how to hug so tightly and hold me close as if for the last time. Only you knew how to calm and comfort with a warm look and sincere words: "Everything will be fine, don't worry, mom, everything is fine!" We love and are proud of you, Romchik! You are always alive for us, son, alive…"