Anna Yavytsia (Chepurna) holds the rank of sergeant and serves as the senior combat medic of the command post company of the field communications unit of the 2nd Battalion, 101st Brigade for the Protection of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine named after Colonel General Hennadii Vorobiov. In a conversation with the Museum’s researcher, Olha Vorobey, Anna shared her story as a servicewoman.
The defender did not immediately connect her life with medicine. Since 2021, she has been studying law enforcement at the National Academy of Internal Affairs. With the onset of the russian invasion, she endured the occupation in the Kyiv region, hiding with her family at a dacha built by her great-grandfather — a veteran of the Second World War. After the de-occupation, she joined the Armed Forces.
Anna’s military path began with intensive training in tactical medicine. Despite fear during the first sessions, she successfully completed the course, and the spirit of comradeship helped her overcome difficulties. Her knowledge and skills saved the lives of many soldiers, for which she was awarded the Golden Cross. She admits that on more than one occasion, she had to carry wounded comrades from their positions — men twice her size.
In response to the moderator’s question about how she envisions herself in a peaceful life, Anna replied that she has found her calling in medicine. She therefore assumes she will continue her studies to become a doctor.
At the close of the event, the servicewoman contributed artifacts to the Museum’s collection: medical scissors for cutting fabric, a “MEDIC” patch, a Motorola radio provided by the Come Back Alive Foundation, soft stretchers for evacuating the wounded, and a body bag.
The War Museum sincerely thanks Anna Yavytsia (Chepurna) for her courage. Her experience stands as evidence of the resilience of Ukrainian women in the struggle for life, freedom, and dignity.
