Valentyna M. Pushych (Romashka)

Valentina Mykhailivna Pushych was born on August 18, 1980, in Kyiv. Since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, so after finishing the 9th grade of school, she enrolled in a medical college. After her first visit to the morgue during her studies, she realized that she could not overcome her fear of other people's pain. As a result, she returned to school and tried to dismiss thoughts of a medical profession. After school, Valentina entered a sewing college and later the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, and after graduating, she started working in her field. She built a career as a men's clothing designer. Later, she decided to master the profession of a psychologist. At that time, she did not know that in the future, her newly acquired knowledge would help her on the front line. When the Russo-Ukrainian war began in 2014, Valentina decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She was not accepted for the position of psychologist, but there was a place in the medical company. Since 2016, Valentina held the position of combat medic in the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. In 2017, she evacuated the wounded during battles in the city of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. In 2018, she decided to take officer courses and sign a contract for another 5 years. She was killed on February 27, 2022, near the city of Brovary in Kyiv region while saving an injured boy. Valentina Pushych was buried on March 6, 2022, at the Forest Cemetery in Kyiv. She is survived by her mother and daughter.