Roman Yu. Vernyhora

Senior Sergeant Roman Vernyhora (call sign Hora) was killed on July 13, 2024, while repelling an enemy assault near the settlement of New York in the Donetsk region. He sustained fatal injuries during an artillery barrage. The defender was 43 years old. Roman was born in the village of Helmyaziv, Cherkasy region. He lived in Horishni Plavni, Poltava region. There he graduated from Vocational School No. 18. He worked as a refractory worker, repairing metallurgical furnaces at the Poltava Mining and Processing Plant. He participated in volleyball competitions. He was a fan of football, boxing, and many other sports. He loved fishing and mushroom picking. During the full-scale war, the man was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade as a gunner. "Until his last breath, he remained faithful to his oath, fulfilling his duty to defend the Motherland with honor and dignity. While holding his positions, he demonstrated resilience and indomitability. During his service, he proved himself to be a fearless warrior, not hesitating when it was necessary to provide assistance or evacuate military personnel under fire. He always stood for the truth. He never feared to express his opinion. He was an incredible person: a caring and loving husband and father, a wonderful son, and a brother," said the wife of the fallen, Olena. Roman was buried in Horishni Plavni. He is survived by his older brother, wife, and three sons.