The National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine hosted a meeting of the "Steel Border" Offensive Guard with cadets and lyceum students as part of the patriotic education of the younger generation.

Graduates of the higher border guard educational institution, lieutenants, Cavaliers of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the third degree Andrii Ohrimchuk and Bohdan Shalimov, as well as the Hero of Ukraine, border guard machine gunner sergeant Ivan Kyshenko, shared their stories with the future officers. In particular, the border guard heroes told about how they got to the Offensive Guard, their combat experience, combat situations, and the events for which they received state awards. The border guards took part in complex combat missions in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions and showed courage and heroism while protecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In particular, Bohdan Shalimov performed tasks in the Bakhmut direction, participated in the assault and liberation of settlements in Donetsk region, Andriy Okhrimchuk evacuated wounded comrades under enemy fire despite being injured, and Ivan Kyshenko held back the advance of superior enemy forces for six hours, covering the retreat of his group. The soldiers told the cadets about their life principles and system of values, advised them on what disciplines they should pay special attention to during their studies, how to train, how to adjust psychologically, what qualities help them get along with their comrades, and much more. The conversation was sincere, frank and emotional. At each meeting, the border guards-heroes received feedback from the audience and had many interesting questions.

We thank the heroes for their courage, bravery and invaluable contribution to the fight against the russian invasion, as well as for finding the time and opportunity to hold such necessary and important meetings with future border guard officers.