Border guard Ivan, nicknamed "Vodila," is from Kolomyia district, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Before the war, he was a craftsman, a carpenter, and worked in building construction. When he knew that a full-scale invasion had begun, he realized that if the enemy was not stopped immediately in the east, he would be able to reach his native Halychyna. So, having no hesitation, he packed his stuff and went to the military enlistment office to join the army as a volunteer. He told his family that he made this decision for their sake, so that the enemy would not come to their homes.

At the military enlistment office, Ivan was sent to serve in Chop border guard detachment. He started a course of training and practicing. The border guard realized that the most important thing for him at that time was education and frequent training. He persistently acquired new knowledge and tirelessly practiced his skills. At the same time, he regularly did sports and improved his fitness. All of this later helped him a lot in fights, allowing him to save not only his own life but also his ‘buddies'.

As part of a joint unit, the border guard also deployed to the north and twice moved to Donetsk region, where he and his buddies successfully defeated the occupiers.

During the second campaign to the east, "Vodila" was a machine gunner in an assault group. Ivan's buddies appreciated his particular bravery, strength of spirit, intelligence and readiness to accomplish complicated tasks.

Initially, Ivan and his buddies were tasked with securing their positions. Later, due to his courage and perseverance, "'Vodila' was assigned to assault groups.

In a battle near Andriivka, during an assault on enemy positions, Ivan and his fellows got under heavy artillery fire. The guys say that they were attacked by artillery, mortars, drones and aircraft. Despite this, the guys bravely repelled the enemy until they were hit by artillery shells. Four of the six, including " Vodila", were seriously injured.

Ivan sustained a bullet wound to the shoulder blade, and a shrapnel injured his leg. The man applied a tourniquet to his leg and began to provide medical aid to his fellows. Ivan could no longer hold the machine gun from his knee, but continued to shoot lying down. The border guards fought until their shift came and they were evacuated.

After being wounded, Ivan was treated and rehabilitated in military hospitals. Now he continues his border guard service in Zakarpattia. His leg still needs treatment, but this does not interfere with the soldier's plans to complete the most important thing for him at the moment - the Ukrainian national liberation from the enemy aggression.