The Union of Paratroopers explained why they gave the organization the name Vostrotin

“Educating patriotism and uniting society are becoming the main tasks”

40 days have passed since the Hero of the Soviet Union, the legendary paratrooper Colonel General Valery Vostrotin, passed away. His departure was a great loss for the Union of Russian Paratroopers, which the general headed for 13 years. The central council of the organization decided to name the Union of Russian Paratroopers after General Vostrotin. Chairman of the Central Council of the Union of Russian Paratroopers, Colonel of the Airborne Forces Valery Yuryev, told MK about how veteran paratroopers withstand the blow and how they try to continue the traditions of Vostrotin.

– Valery Nikolaevich, who was Vostrotin for your Union?

– Valery Alexandrovich left on February 13. Before that, for many years he headed and nurtured the Union of Russian Paratroopers. During this time, the organization took a leading position among veterans’ associations in Russia. Therefore, the Central Council considered it necessary to assign the name of General Vostrotin to the Union.

This was a true people’s leader. Unquestioned authority. Talent in all areas of his multifaceted activities. It became the core and banner for the Union of Russian Paratroopers.

– How does the organization cope with loss?

– This is a sudden and difficult loss. There is no replacement for him as leader of the Union of Russian Paratroopers. But we went through this test with dignity. The decision was unanimously made to rename our Union in honor of Vostrotin.

We believe that there is no one to replace Vostrotin as the leader of our organization. So Valery Alexandrovich remains an eternal leader for us. And we don’t need anything else. The Central Council of the Russian Paratroopers Union adequately copes with all tasks.

– What tasks of the Union do you consider key at this stage?

– After February 24, 2022, the main activity of the Union of Russian Paratroopers became all-out support for a special military operation (SVO). We help with everything we can. We collected more than 1 billion 300 million rubles for the needs of our soldiers.

Airborne veterans, by the way, fight as part of the active army at the front.

Our activists and regional branches across the country held more than 4,000 events in support of the North Military District, our fighters. The events took place in universities, schools, and military units. More than half a million people took part in them. We explain the goals and objectives of the SVO.

We have established the “For Victory” Badge of Honor, which we award to those who really help the Northern Military District. Among other initiatives, they held a song festival and published a book of war poems.

The main thing is that we are actively strengthening the morale and cohesion of our organizations, decisively getting rid of ballast, supporting our advanced regional organizations actively working in Udmurtia, Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg, Kursk, Ivanovo, Taganrog, Nizhny Novgorod…

We are moving forward. We develop work with young people. The Northern Military District has shown that we urgently need to strengthen this area. It is necessary to introduce basic military training in schools. Our veteran organizations are ready to provide the necessary assistance.

Today is a difficult time. There are many enemies. The country is at the stage of difficult trials. We all need to actively work for Victory, and not revel in yesterday’s achievements. Nurturing patriotism and uniting society become the main tasks.

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Valery Vostrotin was born on November 20, 1952 in the city of Kasli, Chelyabinsk region. Graduated from the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School. During the Afghan war he was wounded twice, once seriously. In 1988, Vostrotin received the title of Hero of the USSR for his exploits in Afghanistan. He commanded the 345th Separate Guards Parachute Regiment, which included the 9th Company, which became famous in Afghanistan. From 1994 to 2003, Vostrotin worked as deputy head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.