Before Fatherland Defense Day, RG reporter met one of the soldiers of the Northern Military Region. His nickname in school was “Timokha”, which he inherited from his father along with his surname. He lived all his life in Crimea, graduated from the Faculty of Economics here, got married and became a father. Here in 2022, as a sales representative, I received a summons. “They brought a summons – perhaps it happened due to the call of fate. Or for some other reason. I received this summons and went to get ready,” the security officer recalled today.
Now he is a senior technician for a motorized rifle company. He had four drivers under his command and his areas of responsibility were all the unit's equipment: cars, generators, boats. Spare parts, fuel consumption, maintainability, instructions. “I'm a driver myself, I understand what it is. When people go on duty, I collect them: tea, dry goods, sleeping bags.”
Three year journey
Before his current position, he changed a number of majors. He started out as a sergeant in a mortar battery – weapons, clothes, supplies. When the battery was disbanded, he became a driver. He was later a scout and a medical instructor. And every time I learn again.
The transition to medicine came after the death of a friend. A new paramedic, Kirill, came to the company: “He and I lived in the same hole, we became very close friends.” That day, a HIMARS crashed into a neighboring unit: “Kirill told me: run to the stretcher, quickly. I turned around, ran about twenty meters – and the second one got there. Right where he and I were standing.” Kirill is dead.
After that, “Timokha” asked the commander to transfer him to the position of medical instructor. He completed training in the Northern Military District, then himself taught the company – tourniquets, bandages, tourniquets: “I completed the first aid kits, explained where to carry them, how to properly assemble them. He controlled all medical matters.” Organized five or six open lessons at school – teaching children first aid.
For his work on the front line, he was awarded the medal “For Military Achievements”. The Deputy Minister of Defense made the presentation himself – he went to Kinburn Spit and shook hands. “Timokha” hangs a photo of General Goremykin in his home.
Crimean history
He himself comes from the Simferopol region. In 2014, when “polite people” arrived in Crimea, he was only 23 years old: “I saw: cold, brave guys. I saw in them that they respected the Russian army, the competent army. Perhaps from that moment, the desire to serve appeared.”
Before being mobilized, I tried to apply for a job in the riot police but failed because of my health. It's surprising considering his heroic appearance. He said he always valued the military and respected it. My grandfather fought in the Great Patriotic War and returned alive with many medals. Parents, after learning the story of their grandfather through military archives, found his photos and awards: Order of the Patriotic War II degree, medals “For Courage”, “For Military Merit”, “For the Capture of Budapest” and “For Victory over Germany”. Now “Timokha” carries the memory of him as an individual.
Universal soldier
When asked which major is more interesting, the answer is: each major has its own way. “Medicine – I didn't even know how to give an injection. And then I started studying it further – and I realized how important it is. You know what to do in an emergency, you can save a person's life. Maybe this is the most rewarding thing – saving a person's life,” he said.
I'm not a tech expert yet, but I'm learning: “My drivers are very proficient, they've taken auto mechanics courses. If there's a problem, I'll help them, they'll keep me updated.”
About contract soldiers, “newspapers” and volunteers
Over three years, he met a lot of different people: “When we first arrived, the contract soldiers looked down on us: “mobiks”, wearing whatever they could, old bulletproof vests. Then we changed clothes, they gave us a nice uniform and they treated us normally, and when we appeared in action, all divisions were completely erased, everyone was equal, we all did the same.” Mobilized, LEAPERS, contract soldiers – all are reduced to a single denominator here, otherwise it is impossible to complete the mission or survive. Recently, volunteers came to the unit – uncle Zhenya and the doctor. For three days, they teach about fire and medical training: “You seem to know everything, but he will give you a life tip: put a bandage on your head like this – it won't fall off. Or put an IV in another way. There's always something to learn.”
Currently “Timokha” is holding the position of senior technician but has not given up her medical training. He is preparing a successor – a new medical instructor, to whom he will impart experience. “If I have such an opportunity, I want to continue serving and become an officer,” he said of his plans.
Next November will be 4 years since he returned to the Northern Military Region. All this time – Kherson direction, Kinburg Spit, Rybalche. No injuries, even though I passed by it many times. “God has been merciful,” he said. “I never promised, but so far.” An economic manager from Crimea, who had health problems with riot police, became a foreman, driver, intelligence officer, medical instructor and senior technician. I changed five positions, learned how to save lives from scratch and still learn new things every day: “I always try to participate in all events and courses. It was an experience.” When asked if he saw himself somewhere beyond the service, he replied briefly: “No.” And back to the conversation about generators and fuel consumption.
