"HODOR"

Junior Sergeant, rifleman (assistant machine gunner) of the 3rd sniper squad of the special purpose sniper group, OZSP Azov. He was born on December 31, 1999, in the village of Konela, Cherkasy Oblast. In 2005, the family moved to the village of Sokolivka, where in 2006 Vovchyk started 1st grade at the Sokoliivskyi Educational Complex “School of I–III Grades – Lyceum.” He was passionate about history, had his own view of many historical events, and loved to debate historical topics, persistently defending his opinion. In middle school he began playing sports, loved reading, and was fascinated by everything related to weapons and militarism. The events of 2014 had a major influence on his choice of future—namely, the beginning of the Russian–Ukrainian war. Most likely, it was already then that the decision was made—not just to pursue military service, but to serve specifically in what was then the volunteer battalion “AZOV.” In 2016, after a camp stay at the military-patriotic camp “Azovets,” he became even more committed to the idea of serving in Azov. After graduating from school, in 2017 he enrolled at Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, Faculty of Political Science. In Cherkasy, he joined and actively participated in the local branch of the political party National Corps, whose core consisted of demobilized servicemen from the same “AZOV” battalion. He was part of the “National Druzhyny” and took part in many actions and events. In the spring of 2018, he completed the training course of the “Junior Commanders School named after Aksiona and Khomy.” He received the National Druzhyny distinction “Kinburn Shield” for demonstrating endurance. In the summer of 2019, he transferred to part-time study and completed a grueling four-week BCBT course (Basic Combat Training Course), receiving the long-awaited chevron of the “AZOV” Regiment. In 2021, he transferred to the SGSP (special purpose sniper group), where the commander was Khvat—under whose command Vova had dreamed of serving since the moment they met. He was a very kind person and always tried to help those who needed it. He had a wonderful sense of humor—even his brothers-in-arms speak about it. He was killed on May 8 by the strike of a multi-ton bomb, together with many of his brothers-in-arms. He did not have time to marry. His family: parents and two younger brothers. He was passionate about sports—running, cycling, knife fighting—and loved to read. He dreamed of starting a family and traveling. He was awarded the distinction “Cossack Cross,” 3rd Class (July 8, 2020), the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class (April 17, 2022), and the Order “For Courage,” 2nd Class (posthumously, July 28, 2022).