Rustem Gafarov: “Military service have always been domain of the strongest and bravest”

The first deputy head of the Kazan Executive Committee congratulated the special purpose unit Bars on the Defender of the Fatherland Day.

A commemoration meeting dedicated to the Defender of the Fatherland Day was held in Kazan at the territory of the military unit. On the eve of the holiday, the first deputy head of the Executive Committee Rustem Gafarov congratulated the Kazan special purpose unit of the Federal National Guard Troops Service (Rosgvardiya).

Trooping the Colour of Russia and National Guard Troops was carried out to the tune of the march of the combined orchestra. “Dear soldiers, I congratulate you on the upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day, - Rustem Gafarov addressed the soldiers – I want to express my gratitude for the fact that you protect our homeland with your courage and fearlessness. I wish you success in your severe but very necessary service to the state and the people”.

Sergei Khairudinov, the commander of the military unit, joined the congratulations.

For conscientious work for the good of the Fatherland, the military unit personnel were awarded with certificates of honor of Kazan Mayor. Among awarded were - corporal Artur Israfilov, commander of the mortar battery Alexey Kubyshin, head of the instructional and methodological group Eduard Pankratov, and head of physical training and sports Albert Shayakhmetov. The commander of the military unit, Sergei Khairudinov, was also awarded a certificate of honor. In addition, distinguished soldiers were awarded with badges.

The award ceremony ended with a solemn march.

Military personnel serve not only on the territory of the Republic, ensuring security at major mass events, but also do their duty when conducting counter-terrorism operations in the Caucasus. Presently, the personnel of the military unit have completed a number of tours to combat duties. 10 soldiers were killed while performing combat duties. Rustem Gafarov and Sergei Khairudinov paid tribute to their memory by laying a funeral wreath and flowers at the monument for those who perished, installed on the territory of the military unit.

After the solemn meeting, the commander of the unit gave Rustem Gafarov a tour of the territory. Rustem Gafarov also inspected the equipment and weapons of the special purpose unit.

Photo report

A commemoration meeting for the Defender of the Fatherland Day on the territory of the military unit