For days, it was a real musical holiday in the Russian Federation’s Sakhalin Island. The Spasskaya Bashnya International Festival brought together members of the Armenian and Russian military bands.

We are in the front line, in the northern part of Artsakh, in the combat positions of a military unit under the command of Colonel Karen Jalavyan. Everything is special here, the forested, difficult terrain, which creates additional complications and makes to stay alert, the weather conditions – frequent rains, constant fog, and heavy snowfall in the winter, which often renders the road impassable.

The desire to be the best has been a principle for Lt Col Mheryan since his early years in the service. Recalls the first bidding experience when the best battery commander was recognized.