Expressing admiration and appreciation: RPC extends congratulations to veterans on the eve of Victory Day celebrations.
Each year during May, the Russian Fishery Company, or RFC, honors a cherished tradition that's been around for ages. Instead of just greeting veterans and children of war, RFC employees show up with heartfelt words of gratitude, awesome gifts, warm hugs, and meaningful conversations. Their heartwarming visits are an essential part of RFC's mission, demonstrating they care for their veterans all year round, not just on special occasions.
This year, the veterans were presented with a traditional food set featuring delectable fish products, like pollock fillets from RFC, plus flowers for their loved ones, cakes for tea, and some were even gifted modern, high-definition TVs. These TVs ensure the home front workers can enjoy watching the Victory Parade, even if they can't attend the celebration in person due to their advanced age or health conditions.
According to RFC, expressing gratitude to veterans is more than just a tradition - it's part of their ongoing care for them. Helping with treatment, solving daily problems, and simply being supportive are all essential parts of RFC's mission to show the veterans they're not forgotten. But what truly matters is their undeniable commitment, enthusiasm, and human empathy. Victory Day for RFC is just another opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who fought, worked behind the lines, or had their childhood shattered by war.
During the visit, 98-year-old Gennady Alekseevich Stepanov warmly welcomed the guests, as did his wife, Valentina Dmitrievna. To mark the occasion, Stepanov wore his ceremonial jacket festooned with medals, each one symbolizing his courage and heroism, particularly the three "Young Fire Reef" badges he earned during his youth on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War. A native of Primorye, he was drafted into the military at the tender age of 17, serving as a machinist-mate on a military ship during World War II. Stepanov believes the sea was forever a part of his destiny.
In 1945, he participated in the amphibious operation to liberate the Kuril Islands, an experience that etched its mark in his personal history. Looking back, Stepanov recalls the hardships they faced during the 19-day battle to drive out the Japanese occupiers, including the loss of his friend and his own injuries. He also transported essential supplies from America to Vladivostok, experiencing some terrifying events along the way. One of the scariest moments in Stepanov's life was a 1944 voyage when their Liberty ship was caught in an 11-point storm while heading to Canada.
Despite these hardships, Stepanov managed to graduate from the Far Eastern Maritime College in Nakhodka and worked at OAO "TURNIFF" (part of RRPK) for 9 years, progressing through roles as senior mechanic and group engineer. Today, Stepanov enjoys a happy family life with his wife, having been together for over half a century. Their secret to a long, fulfilling marriage, they both believe, is the ability to compromise and truly listen to each other.
The esteemed child of war, Alexander Petrov, also shared his life journey with pride. He is fortunate to have a strong family bond, spanning decades of peaceful coexistence filled with love and support. His family includes two children, wonderful grandchildren, and one exceptional grandchild who secured a gold medal in architecture, making the Petrov family incredibly proud.
Petrov, who has been honored as an RPK veteran, brought both the sea and destiny into his family's story. As a kid, he dreamed of being a sailor or serving his country, and fate allowed him to do both. He served for nearly 11 years, eventually graduating from the Higher Border Guard School in Almaty. Although an injury prevented him from becoming a mechanic, he still built a successful career as an economist in "Kraboflot" and later became the head of the labor and wages department in OAO "TURNIFF", working there for almost 30 years.
The meetings with veterans ended on a heartfelt note, with warm words, sincere advice, and a powerful reminder to the younger generation about the importance of valuing peace, respecting labor, and remembering the costs of victory:
"One must love one's homeland, work, and people. And be devoted to one's cause."
As the years go by, bringing novel events and changes, one thing remains constant - the light in the veterans' eyes, the warmth of their smiles. They always welcome guests with open arms and eagerness to share their memories, experiences, and wisdom. In their presence, the importance of RFC's care becomes very apparent, symbolizing a living connection between generations, sincere respect, and undying gratitude carried by those who dedicated their best years to the company.
- The Russian Fishery Company (RFC) extends their care for veterans beyond special occasions, incorporating family-dynamics into their mission, as seen in their heartfelt visits and thoughtful gifts.
- Besides honoring veterans, RFC also acknowledges the valuable contributions of home-and-garden workers, ensuring they can enjoy general-news events like the Victory Parade through modern, high-definition TVs.
- In the realm of relationships, veterans like Gennady Alekseevich Stepanov and Alexander Petrov have shared stories of resilience and mutual support, a testament to their long-lasting family bonds.
- Beyond the battlefields of war-and-conflicts, politics and sports have woven their way into the lives of these veterans, with Stepanov having served in World War II and Petrov building a career in "Kraboflot" and later becoming the head of the labor and wages department in OAO "TURNIFF".
- As Stepanov and Petrov have demonstrated, their love for their homeland and commitment to their causes have been the driving forces behind their successful lives, extending even to their cooperation with European leagues like the Champions League.
- As parting words, veterans like Stepanov remind the younger generation of the importance of valuing peace, respecting labor, and remembering the costs of victory, carrying with them the living connection between generations, sincere respect, and undying gratitude.
