War changes everything except the main thing - inner strength
The story of Gennady Yaremenko - an officer, defender and our colleague.
On February 24, 2022, Gennady received a message that he did not need to go to work. Without hesitation, he went to the military registration and enlistment office. Thus began his path as a defender.
Gennady is an officer who served in the military in 2015-2016. Therefore, the decision was obvious to him: “I had no choice. I understood that I had to go. Otherwise, I would not be able to look in the mirror like a man.”
Before the war, Gennady had worked in our company for over 12 years. After mobilization, he became a platoon commander, and later a company commander. He fought for almost a year until he was wounded. The treatment lasted nine months. Due to an injury that could not be completely cured, he was forced to resign from the service due to health reasons.
Despite this, immediately after demobilization, Gennady returned to civilian life and work. “I was discharged on the 17th, and on the 18th I was already at work,” he recalls. “They were waiting for me, they kept my job.”
His colleagues supported him during his treatment, visiting him in the hospital and sending words of support. But the real test awaited him after his return: “The hardest part was getting used to civilian life again, to people who think differently. People see war from afar, but I saw it from the inside.”
According to Gennady, returning to a “peaceful” perception of the world was not easy. Thoughts about returning to the army did not leave him in the first months. But later his family, communication with his comrades, and support from colleagues helped. “It all depends on the environment and on yourself. It is very difficult for some to adapt. It is easier for some. But the main thing is not to be alone with yourself.”
His family has always been the greatest source of strength for him. His wife and two sons are his main support. “This is my motivator. I don’t understand anything else. If a person is inspired by something else, it’s their choice, but for me, it’s family. They always keep me afloat.”
The war left not only scars, but also life lessons. Gennady admits: “I learned to clearly distinguish where my area of responsibility is and where it’s not. As in the army, so in work, everyone must do their own thing. Initiative is a good thing, but it must be timely and appropriate.”
He also talks about the power of teamwork. “Communication is the key to everything. When you have 120 people under your command, you have to hear, understand, adapt to different personalities, and at the same time remain a leader. This is a great experience that helps in civilian life as well.”
Today, Gennady dreams of one thing — peace. For people to return home. For children to see their parents again, for families not to be torn apart by war. “I want us to no longer wake up to the sounds of rockets. For there to be silence. For it all to end. And we just lived.”
Gennady’s story is a story of strength, dignity, and loyalty. It’s a reminder of who we really are. And how important it is to support each other.