Viacheslav V. Rodchenko (Staryi)

Junior Sergeant Vyacheslav Rodchenko (call sign Stary) was killed in action on March 8, 2022, while performing a combat mission in the area of Balakliia, Kharkiv region. Vyacheslav was born and lived his entire life in the village of Makarivka, Luhansk region. He spent most of his life working as a driver and loved his job very much. He also adored music and played the guitar very well. On February 23, 2022, Vyacheslav turned 51, and the very next day, a full-scale war began. Without hesitation, the man went to the army to defend his native land from Russian invaders. He joined the ranks of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodny Yar". And once again, he sat behind the wheel, but this time in a BMP. Vyacheslav Rodchenko was a mechanic-driver. His unit was sent to Kharkiv region, where the invaders were trying to break through. Unfortunately, Vyacheslav was killed in one of these fierce battles. "Our father was the soul of our family, an extremely kind and loving man, father and grandfather. Becoming a grandfather, he had special pride and tears of happiness in his eyes. He was very brave and devoted to his family and became a brave and selfless defender of his homeland, which he loved for its unique landscapes, nightingale songs, and Ukrainians who are the soul of the country," said his daughter Olga. The defender was buried at the Kranopilsky cemetery in Dnipro. At home, Vyacheslav was awaited by his beloved wife, son, daughter, and little grandson. Junior Sergeant Vyacheslav Rodchenko was posthumously awarded the Order of "Courage" III degree.