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Today, the Armenian army marks the 27th anniversary of its establishment. Looking back after 27 years, we can state that our army is stronger today than ever. Every serviceman - starting from a private to a top military official - has their own input into the establishment of the army. On this day, everyone proudly shares his experience of serving in the army. Panorama.am talked to some of them, who also participated during the April Four-Day war.

Gevorg Manukyan

Gevorg Manukyan received the Combat Cross of the Second-Degree award after serving in the army. Today, he is more known in Armenia and Artsakh for shooting and bringing down an Azerbaijani helicopter that was infiltrating the Artsakh border during the April war days.

In his words, the army plays an important role for any state. “January 28 marks one of the most memorable dates of independent Armenia,” he said. Gevorg often meets with his fellow servicemen and remembers the war days. “I can never forget my feelings during those days,” he told us when asked to recall memories from his military service.

At night of April 1 Gevorg and his fellow servicemen where under intensive Azerbaijani shelling, as a subversive group of the enemy tried to infiltrate their positions. That was the time, when he was in a military post and noticed an Azerbaijani Mi24 helicopter coming over the Line of Contact. It took him 28 seconds to adjust Igla system and shot from a distance of 3 km, bringing down the helicopter and saving the lives of the soldiers.

Gevorg studies at the Yerevan State University and works at the ministry of defense After completing the army service he accepted the offer to become a military. His only desire is about peaceful term of duty to all serving in army. “Let them protect the borders of the motherland and return safe to their families,” he said.

Rafayel Krpeyan

Rafayel Krpeyan is Armenian soldier who heroically fought in Talish during the 2016 April War and received the Combat Cross of the Second-Degree award.
During the military actions, Krpeyan destroyed some of the Azerbaijani tanks. He has always been inspired by the Armenian heroes and the stories around them as a kid. Rafayel, who is a student at the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, has been deeply impressed by Armenian National Hero Tatul Krpeyan, who was his uncle.

In his words, before joining the army he had vague idea what was the meaning of January 28. and realized its significance and meaning only during the service in army.

“I can imagine the pride of our soldiers who celebrate the army day today,” he said.
Rafayel’s dream is about preventing war, yet in case of need he is ready to take the weapon and defend the motherland.

“My wish for today is about peace and that our boys are back safe. I want also to thank to all those soldiers who are standing in the military posts as they should focus all our attention on them,” he said.