Quite a little time has passed since the order of the commander-in-chief on the beginning of the withdrawal of the Russian contingent from the territory of Syria, which made a sensation to the whole world. And on March 15, we witnessed how the first group of pilots from the Western Military District returned to their homeland.
Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev, commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces, flew to the meeting. Representatives of secular and spiritual authorities were present. And, despite the height of the working day, a fair number of local residents gathered. Basically, of course, relatives, but there were also many young people from among the students.
By the way, a good start. Show people who have completed the combat mission properly. We've missed too many of those moments. Brought to the point that the participants in the hostilities in Afghanistan and the Caucasus have become synonymous with negativity.
It is good that the "Syrians" will not have to be ashamed of their military deeds.
Commander-in-Chief Bondarev said little. In general, the whole event took a short period of time. The working day, the strong cold wind and the general fatigue of the arrivals did not dispose to long speeches.
But the sincere joy of the greeters could not be spoiled by any weather. If freezing rain or snow fell from the sky, there would be no less smiles.
The heroes looked tired. But they did not hide their satisfaction. And the high assessment of the country's leadership for their actions, and the very fact that everything, the business trip is over. And everyone returned home. Unfortunately, it turned out to be difficult to cram everyone into the frame; the press created a real pandemonium around the pilots.
Few people probably paid attention (the plane is quite high). But whoever wanted to, he saw. The continuity of generations. Sign of victory over the enemy. A beautiful and honorable sign.
It is a great pity, of course, that even a short press conference with the returning pilots was not included in the plans of the VKS leadership. However, already at the airfield, to my great surprise, I saw one familiar person. From among those who returned. I even managed to exchange a few words. So after a while I will be glad to present to your attention a story telling about the events in Syria from a direct participant. Naturally, within the bounds of what is permitted.
