Soldier Serhii Kachan, call sign WILD JOE

I am Serhii Kachan, call sign WILD JOE. 
Senior gunner of the 56th Brigade.

In 2014, I joined the army as a volunteer, served in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone and then – in the Joint Forces Operation zone. In nine years, I signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine four times. The last one ended in early 2022. 

Why did I choose military service? Because it is MY VOCATION! My whole life is connected with the army. 
After my military service, I was a border guard in my native Sumy region.

When the full-scale invasion of the aggressor began, I had a chance to stay at home for only a month. Without hesitation, on the very first day I returned to the army as a volunteer.

Over the past few months, my back has been hurting badly, and sometimes I can barely move my legs. The reason for this is an injury to my lumbar spine that I got while performing my service. Excessive military loads aggravated the problem. No pills or injections have been working for a long time. I have already been operated on twice, but the problem has relapsed again. At the last consultation, the doctor said that I need to have my spinal vertebrae replaced, and there is no point in surgery without implants. I need immediate surgery!

I dream of victory and justice for our country. 

I dream of a child, to hear the word "DAD" and hold the baby in my arms.

My plans for the future are to live in my native country with my family, where peace and tranquillity reign.