The Centenary of a Cossack Paratrooper Celebrated in the Southern Capital

November 24, 2024. Almaty. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the “Association of Russian, Slavic, and Cossack Organizations of Kazakhstan”, with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo, organized a military song festival titled “We Remember” at the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism. The event was dedicated to the heroic deeds of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

The evening’s central event was the 100th birthday celebration of Great Patriotic War veteran and member of the Elder Council of the “Union of Cossacks of Semirechye”, Voyskovoy Starshina Viktor Karpovich Izyumnikov.

The festival opened with a speech by Vladimir S. Shikhotov, Ataman of the “Union of Cossacks of Semirechye”, head of the Almaty branch of the “Association of Russian, Slavic, and Cossack Organizations of Kazakhstan”, and a member of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.

On behalf of the Ataman of the All-Russian Cossack Society, Cossack General V.V. Kuznetsov, and a member of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs of Russia, Shikhotov awarded the jubilarian the “Merit Cross for Service to Russian Cossacks,” 1st Class.

Father Evgeny Kozlov, Deputy Chair of the Kazakhstan Metropolia’s Commission for Work with Cossacks, read a decree by Metropolitan Alexander awarding Viktor Karpovich the high church honor of the “Order for Diligent Service” (Ынталы Қызмет Үшiн). Conveying the metropolitan’s congratulations, the priest noted the symbolism of the wheat sheaf depicted on the church order, as Viktor Karpovich is a “Distinguished Agronomist of Kazakhstan.”

A congratulatory address from the Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, M.A. Azilkhanov, was read by Semyon Shikhotov, Deputy Chairman of the Almaty branch of the “Association of Russian, Slavic, and Cossack Organizations of Kazakhstan”.

On behalf of the Consulate General of Russia in Almaty, the veteran was congratulated by Consul D.R. Sabirullin and M.S. Simakova, Deputy Chair of Rossotrudnichestvo in Kazakhstan.

Distinguished guests included veterans, leaders of the city’s ethnocultural associations, and representatives of state authorities.

During the concert, the entire audience joined in singing beloved wartime songs performed by young talents and professional artists. Tears filled the eyes of veterans and nearly everyone present.

A Life of Service: Viktor Karpovich Izyumnikov

Viktor Karpovich Izyumnikov was born on November 25, 1924, in the village of Chernoyarov, Zelenovsky District, Uralsk Region, into a large family. From an early age, he embodied respect for labor, resolve, and strength of character. At just 17, like millions of young men, he went to the front to defend his homeland.

His military journey took him through Hungary and Austria, ending at the Czechoslovak border. He celebrated victory at his post, though two of his brothers who joined the war with him never returned. These losses, rather than breaking his spirit, reinforced his belief in the importance of peaceful creation.

After the war, Viktor Karpovich became an exemplary figure, demonstrating how love for life and hard work can transform the world. He contributed to the Virgin Lands campaign, built homes, schools, and hospitals.

In 1983, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR, ensuring the efficient operation of government bodies and spearheading large-scale agricultural development initiatives. His achievements earned him numerous state honors, but most importantly, the respect and recognition of those who worked alongside him.

Viktor Karpovich is a “Distinguished Agronomist of Kazakhstan”, a candidate of economic sciences, and was twice elected as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet. He also served as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan.

His accolades include the “Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class”, the “Medal for Military Merit”, multiple Soviet orders, and the “Order of Kurmet.”