Soldier Stepan Rak

Hello, my name is Stepan (Volodymyrovych) Rak. I am a Cossack, beekeeper and furrier. When the full-scale invasion began, my brother-in-law and I went to apply to the 80th Brigade, but we were told that they did not need pensioners or "duffel bags". 

However, if there is a will, there is a way, and I received an offer from the 24th Brigade to join. Without hesitation, I immediately agreed and joined their ranks.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to fight.
 

On 13 March 2022, while waiting for equipment at the Yavoriv military base, I was wounded during a missile attack. That was the end of my military service.

For a long time, I was very regretful that I survived, but I have a little daughter and, thanks to all my family and friends who constantly called and supported me, I found the strength to do something about it. I actively took up rehabilitation and have already achieved good results.

But I understand that now I need an electric wheelchair, because I will soon return home and want to move freely on my own, to be mobile.
 

Hello, my name is Stepan (Volodymyrovych) Rak. I am a Cossack, beekeeper and furrier. When the full-scale invasion began, my brother-in-law and I went to apply to the 80th Brigade, but we were told that they did not need pensioners or "duffel bags". 

However, if there is a will, there is a way, and I received an offer from the 24th Brigade to join. Without hesitation, I immediately agreed and joined their ranks.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to fight.

On 13 March 2022, while waiting for equipment at the Yavoriv military base, I was wounded during a missile attack. That was the end of my military service.

For a long time, I was very regretful that I survived, but I have a little daughter and, thanks to all my family and friends who constantly called and supported me, I found the strength to do something about it. I actively took up rehabilitation and have already achieved good results.

But I understand that now I need an electric wheelchair, because I will soon return home and want to move freely on my own, to be mobile.

I wish all my comrades who have been caught in a similar "dire trap" and who are undergoing treatment after being wounded, to recover, not to lose heart, and to work on themselves as hard as possible. The more you do during rehabilitation, the easier it will be in later life.

I wish everyone to see our impending victory as soon as possible and return to a peaceful and happy life! May the Almighty help us all!