Valentyn V. Derevenskyi (Valiko)

On March 31, 2022, 44-year-old Junior Sergeant Valentyn Derivensky (call sign Valiko) was killed. Valentyn was a veterinarian by profession and a farmer in civilian life. He was a lover of life, very fond of nature. An active participant in the Revolution of Dignity, he was there from the first day. After Maidan, he immediately went to war. He began his service in the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Anti-tank operator SPG, "Corsair", "Stugna". Later, he transferred to the 17th Tank Brigade with his commander. Since 2014, he has been through almost all the hot spots in the ATO and JFO zones. In Luhansk, Valiko destroyed an enemy tank in one battle and two BMPs and a "KAMAZ" with Russian personnel in another. For this, he was awarded the Order of "Courage" III degree, which he did not live to receive. Commander Krepysh, whom Valiko transferred to the 17th OTBr, survived his fighter by only 6 days. He was killed on the same position. "A man of great virtue, a friend, a comrade, and a good father. A wonderful man, he loved his wife and son very much. Always eager to go home. Ready to lend a shoulder at any moment. Even at night," shared comrade Patron. Valentyn is survived by his 23-year-old son Oleksandr from his first marriage, his wife Olena, and his 12-year-old son Yaroslav, whom he loved dearly.