Serhii A. Melnyk (Perets)

Soldier Serhii Melnyk (call sign Pepper) was killed on September 30, 2023 near the village of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. The defender received a fatal wound while on the battlefield. The warrior was 50 years old. Serhii was born in the village of Kulykovychi, Volyn region. He graduated from Lutsk Vocational School No. 2 and mastered the profession of an electric welder. For a long time, he worked at the local school as a repair master and stoker. Before the invasion, he went abroad to earn money. He spent his free time with his family. He also loved fishing - this passion he passed on to his beloved children. On February 24, 2022, the man became a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. "Without hesitation, on February 24, 2022, my husband took up the defense of his country. In life, he was fair and honest, came to the aid of everyone who needed it. And in the war, he was a support for his comrades-in-arms, he saved more than one life, pulling the wounded off the battlefield. Building a dugout, digging kilometers of trenches in the Mykolaiv and Kherson steppes, the forests of Donetsk and Luhansk, delighting his comrades-in-arms with delicious dishes - this is about my Serhii. The front is held by such people. Serhii was straightforward, fair and genuine. Our family lived in the father's house together with his mother. He had an open soul and a kind heart. The big family loved to come to visit, and with the start of the war, Serhii united everyone in a family volunteer center to help our defenders. He loved life. His dream was not some material wealth, but to hear the laughter of grandchildren in the house. He was so looking forward to them, but unfortunately did not have time to become a grandfather... He will forever remain in our hearts and our memory as a kind, bright, courageous warrior and hero. He was our Universe. He showed by his life how one should live, love, be friends, be fair, humane, sincere. We miss him very much... Mother lost her support and support, I - a beloved husband, the children were orphaned and will never have parental support. But he made this choice so that we would have a future. Deep bow to our dear one. We love him," said the wife of the fallen defender, Tetiana. The hero was buried in his native village. Serhii is survived by his mother, wife, two sons, daughter, brothers and sisters.