The management and team of "Almaty Resort" visited the heroes, congratulated them on the upcoming holiday, checked their blood pressure, and inquired about their health. Despite their age, the veterans maintain a cheerful spirit and clarity of mind, and their stories remain vivid pages of history.
Nikolai Taratunov: Incredible Challenges
The oldest of the veterans, Nikolai Taratunov, turned 101 this year. Unfortunately, he has recently been bedridden but gladly welcomes guests. Nikolai Alexandrovich’s life is filled with incredible challenges—he has faced life-and-death situations multiple times. He fought on the Western, Stalingrad, and Second Ukrainian fronts and was wounded three times.
While serving in reconnaissance, he often carried out missions behind enemy lines. At the age of 20, he suffered a severe injury. Left in a damp cellar, assumed to be dying, he miraculously opened his eyes at dawn just as preparations for his burial began. Since then, the veteran greets every day with gratitude and optimism.
After the war, Nikolai Taratunov enrolled in the Almaty Border School, graduated successfully, and continued his service along the borders with Turkey, Iran, China, and Japan. Throughout his service, he was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, First Class; two Orders of the Red Star; the "Құрмет" Order; and numerous medals.
Vasily Zinchenko: A Scout with a Poetic Soul
This year, Vasily Zinchenko celebrated his 100th birthday. He went to the front in 1941 at the age of 17. The young soldier looked so youthful that he was often mistaken for a teenager. Because of this, he was sent to scout school.
Vasily Zinchenko participated in key battles of the war, including the liberation of Stalingrad, Ukraine, and Poland, as well as the storming of Berlin. He had the honor of escorting Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus as a prisoner of war.
After the war, he returned to Almaty, where he worked for over ten years at a local dairy plant. Together with his wife, he raised four children—three sons and a daughter. Today, the veteran has a large family: seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
For his contributions to victory, Vasily Zinchenko was awarded the Orders of the Patriotic War and the Red Star, as well as medals for the Defense of Stalingrad and the Victory over Germany. The veteran surprised guests with his humility. Instead of recounting his war stories, he recited lines from Nekrasov:
“Late autumn. The rooks have flown away,
The forest is bare, the fields are empty,
Only a single strip remains unharvested...
It brings on a sorrowful thought.”
Vladimir Belozerov: To the Rhythm of the Waltz
Equally inspiring is Vladimir Belozerov, who turned 99 this year. Born in Shymkent, he gained his combat experience on Ukrainian soil, fought as part of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, and participated in the Dnieper crossing, where he was wounded. For his merits, he was awarded the Orders of the Patriotic War, the Red Banner, and Lenin.
"The Order of Lenin was usually awarded in Soviet times to high-ranking individuals for exceptional achievements in science or to regional party leaders. I worked as a shop foreman at the Almaty Building Materials Plant. I’m an ordinary man, but I was awarded the Order of Lenin—that’s unprecedented," he shared.
Vladimir Dmitrievich revealed his secret to longevity: daily exercise, natural nutrition, and fresh air at his dacha. Following his lively instructions, the "Almaty Resort" team joined him for a workout. Later, Belozerov stunned everyone with his energy as he twirled female staff members in a waltz.
Alexander Zhuravlev: A Lifetime of Love
Alexander Zhuravlev is also 99 years old. His military service began in reconnaissance, and he participated in battles in Berlin and Prague. For his combat merits and contributions to victory, he was awarded the Order of Honor, medals "For Combat Merit," "For the Capture of Berlin," "For the Capture of Prague," and commemorative awards.
Despite his advanced age, the veteran was lively during the visit, warmly welcoming guests and even donning his favorite festive chapan. However, Zhuravlev prefers to talk not about his achievements but about his wife, whom he affectionately calls Mashenka.
"I live because of my wife," the veteran admitted with a smile. The couple still leads an active life: cooking together, taking walks, and helping their grandchildren.
Each veteran is a living legend, a symbol of courage, resilience, and devotion to their homeland. The sanatorium staff admitted that such meetings not only bring joy to the veterans but also serve as an inspiration for themselves.
"We are proud of our heroes; their life path is an example for all of us. We wish the veterans good health, warmth, and long lives. We will always be there to support them," said Gulzhanat Bugubaeva, Director of the "Almaty Resort" Sanatorium.