Vitalii V. Kadol (Khomiak)

Junior Lieutenant Vitaliy Kadol (call sign Khomyak) was killed on October 15, 2022, while performing a combat mission near the village of Spirne in Donetsk region. The officer sustained fatal injuries as a result of enemy tank shelling. In September, the defender turned 32 years old. Vitaliy was born in Ivano-Frankivsk. He studied and lived in his hometown. In his youth, he was passionate about football, was an activist in the youth scouting organization "Plast," and a member of a musical rock band. He obtained a higher education at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas. During the full-scale war, in June 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. At the end of September, he was appointed platoon commander. "Thank you for everything, our daddy. I believe and wait to meet you somewhere out there, beyond the horizon. Forever in our hearts. Your dearest," wrote the wife of the fallen, Yulianna. "It is impossible to remember him without a smile. Vitalik was sociable, cheerful, and had a knack for making subtle and precise jokes. He was quick-witted and easily found common ground with people. He could quickly adapt to different situations. Even when we were in a hot spot, Vitalik did not lose his optimism and encouraged me: 'Don't worry! Everything will be fine!'. He was a loving father and husband, often talking about his son and wife. Vitalik was also a responsible and reliable friend, someone you could always count on!" said comrade Andriy. "For me, this is particularly tragic news. Vitaliy Kadol, at the age of 12-14, was a member of the youth organization 'Plast,' and I was his leader. Vitaliy, with the nickname Bear, was a very cheerful guy, quick-witted, always asking questions and wanting to know everything. He could joke and was the life of the party. Unfortunately, this young man gave his life near Bakhmut. It's a pity that war takes the best, those who could have built this state for many more years. Eternal memory to Vitaliy, eternal memory to all the guys who gave their lives for the independence of our State," noted the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsinkiv. Vitaliy was buried at the Alley of Glory in his hometown. The officer is survived by his parents, wife, and son. A memorial plaque in his honor was unveiled on the facade of Ivano-Frankivsk Lyceum No. 13, where the officer studied.