“The heart called out to Tad where it was difficult”: border guards shared a sensitive message about a Lithuanian who died in Ukraine

“This photo captures a moment from the ceremony held at VSAT Pasieniai School at the end of last June. The head of the school, Daividas Kaminskas, presents the cadet of the 38th program, Tadus Tumas, with a nominal gift – a watch.

Because Tad was recognized as the best cadet of this program, and as many as 115 of them became border guards last summer. Most of those who studied in that program for almost a year were almost twice as young as Tad, who entered the Border Guard School at the age of 40… During his study years, Tad was distinguished by receptiveness for new knowledge, studied exceptionally well, was patriotic.

After his studies, he was assigned to serve at the Tribonii fortress guarding the border with Belarus. Collegial, sincere, hardworking and professional – these and similar descriptions remained in the memories of the border guards who served with him. However, Tad’s heart was calling to a place where it is difficult, where the war is going on and people are dying – to Ukraine. After almost three months of service at the border, Tad left VSAT. He left because he decided to help the country defending itself from Russian aggression. “Having the necessary knowledge and skills, he knew that he might and must join the Ukrainian military,” VSAT’s Facebook post reads.

How 15min confirmed on Friday, Sigitas Maliauskas, the head of the “Snake Island” instructor mission in Ukraine, the Lithuanian was transporting mines to the front lines near Bakhmut, when their car was hit by a Russian FPV drone.

Information regarding a Lithuanian who fought and died in Ukraine 15min confirmed by the Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.

15min as far as we know, this is the first Lithuanian killed in combat operations in Ukraine. Earlier, it was reported regarding several Lithuanian fighters wounded in the battles. It was also announced regarding one dead Lithuanian, but it was later clarified that it was not from wounds suffered in hostilities.

“On the eve of the second anniversary of the aggressor’s invasion of Ukraine, the tragic news reached Lithuania – Tadas was killed…

We sincerely sympathize with his family, relatives, everyone who knew Tad Tumas. May the bright memory of you, Tad, soldier of Ukraine and the border of Lithuania, never fade…” – reads the post shared by VSAT.