Warriors-internationalists taught a lesson of courage to KBSU students

November 30, 2022 as part of the project «Your move» at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov hosted a meeting of university students with veterans of military operations, reserve officers, who are currently engaged in social activities. This is a holder of the Order of Courage, an internationalist warrior, chairman of the executive committee of the Kabardino-Balkarian republican branch of the All-Russian Public Organization of Veterans «Combat Brotherhood», a member of the Public Chamber of the KBR Vladimir Abanokov and a retired colonel, an internationalist warrior, holder of the Order of the Red Banner, two orders of the Red Star, legendary scout Evgeny Smirnov. With a standing ovation, students greeted eminent guests, who were introduced by the chairman of the Joint Council of Veterans of the KBSU, retired colonel Hasan Shurdumov.

«You are lucky because today you have a unique opportunity to talk with real heroes. These are people who honestly and conscientiously performed their military duty, not thinking about rewards for feats», — emphasized the head of the veteran organization of the KBSU.

The dialogue, moderated by Iskhak Murachaev, the leading specialist of the UMMR KBGU, turned out to be frank and instructive for the young participants of the meeting. The guests shared their life experience, vivid memories and strong impressions gained during the years of service. So, Yevgeny Smirnov said that the main thing in Afghanistan, where he performed his international duty, was to save the lives of his subordinates.

“A lot of time has passed since then, but even now I would walk all the paths with my eyes closed. A lot of the blood of our guys is left there. God forbid you experience what we have experienced. War is grief for any people,” — Evgeny Smirnov recalled with pain in his heart, but like a true officer he added: “I have three nephews who are now in Ukraine performing the assigned task. It was a political necessity. If today they tell me: you are needed, I will go. I am ready to teach young people how to behave in the conditions of hostilities».

Vladimir Abanokov added: Time sets the right accents. The Afghan war, whether it was needed or not, but we were given an order — and we went. Nobody asked why. Since the Motherland needs it, then we are going. It was a different country then, a different upbringing. Soviet. We have always been human, there was no cruelty. Helped wounded Afghans. Russian soldiers have always been humane. And now they remain the same. Maybe that’s why when guys who once served there go to Afghanistan today, they are treated with respect.

Hasan Shurdumov asked Vladimir Abanokov to tell the children why he received the Order of Courage in 2014. The veteran internationalist modestly replied that he did nothing out of the ordinary, he simply neutralized the bandits who attacked his neighbors.

«I would also like to congratulate Vladimir Abanokov on the fact that on October 20, 2022, by decree of the President of Russia, he was awarded the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree, for his active social work», — said the chairman of the Public Council of Veterans of the KBSU.

A lot of warm words were said by the guests about their friends-colleagues.

«If we touch on the issue of combat work, then yes, all brothers, and everyone is ready to substitute their chest to close their comrade», — Yevgeny Smirnov emphasized.

«We, two fellow countrymen, a Kabardian and a Balkar — me and Magomed Atmurzaev, Honored Artist of the KBR, became brothers in battle», — confirmed Vladimir Abanokov.

In his parting words to the students, at the end of the meeting Evgeny Smirnov said: «I do not urge all officers to become officers, but the most important thing in life is to be loyal to your people, your country, your home, your family».