Tramp in uniform.

Retired Major Andrei Shitov - a military officer, who gave 35 years of his service life. Returning home after leaving the reserve, he suddenly left without shelter, registration and pensions. Of despair newly-born drifter found work gravedigger.




After 35 years of military career Andrey Shitov, "General hush-hush", as it was called loving colleagues, was left than c. From the apartment of his own father wrote for a well-deserved retirement had to fight a few years, but to live it is still nowhere. Former officer earns gravedigger and watchman and I am glad the only lodging for the night - trailers on the cemetery.
Trailer among tombstones
"I do what I do not regret," - says the veteran wearily, looking at the dull landscape of snow-covered tombstones through the window of the trailer. Outdoors extreme cold, the wind occasionally hits the thin walls of the rectangular house. At the door skrebёtsya black cat, Andrew slowly gets up from the couch and opens the door for her, then sits back.
The room is warm and cozy, in the air clubs of cigarette smoke. In the far corner muttering TV. Whistling kettle. Caretaker decided to have lunch - printing instant noodles, he pours the contents of hot water.
"In fact, there is not so bad. Have a roof over your head, and it is nowadays the most important thing. I've heard that some people have froze to death during the night. Nightmare, of course, but what to do? People are dying - and I work there "- admits Andrew.
Distant War in Asia
Andrei Shitov was born in 1960 in Vologda, but from an early age lives in Perm. After high school, the young man went to the fire department. For Honest service he received a nominal clock. And then - Studies in Higher Military Command Engineering School, served in the army.



By fate during the restructuring officer brought in Tajikistan, a country, while beset by civil war. This is a former military conflict, averting his eyes to the side, not particularly telling. Only a few words - "heat, infection, and death" - form an idea of ​​the situation.
"While I was stationed at the prosecutor's office, and we were doing pretty unpleasant things. And before we leave the country, the State Council decided that to do with us: give medals, monetary rewards or even kill. There you have it! "- Laughs Major Shitov.
Homeless man in uniform
In 2003, Andrei Shitov, who returned back to their homeland, was appointed commandant of the garrison of the Star, the military camp near the city of Perm. Lived for several years in the hotel. A portion was transferred to the Sverdlovsk region, and Major sent to the reserve. In Perm, the father of Andrew suddenly wrote him out of the apartment. And benefits from the state, he never received. Where to go now military officer?
Wandering on removable apartments, "shabashki" loader and a watchman in horticultural cooperatives - barely managed to somehow scrape together a few hundred rubles for food.



A few years later Shitov had my passport, but he did not have a residence permit and money and no housing - there is no provision of pension. I had to go to the social hotel. The proximity of the disadvantaged and homeless people are not confused ex-military - there he found new friends, who offered him a job in the funeral business.
Gravedigger and guard
Already fourth year as Andrew lives and works in a small van with a trailer. He has two specialties - the gravedigger and the watchman in combination. In the morning - work on the road, in the evening - the protection of the territory, and at night - along with a team on the evacuation of corpses. According Shitova, here he likes for two reasons: irregular work schedule and is "boring office».
"We get the coffin. Load it into the car. We're going to stay with relatives, and then to the cemetery. In fact, organize the funeral and related rituals, "- says the guard-gravedigger.



Together with the major work a few more people. They know about the heavy past ex-military and always trying to help him. So, one of the guys ordered at Shitova to the pension. Reissuing the piles of documents, a veteran, has not hoping for a miracle, began receiving money. Says do not believe, but life began to build.
"Anyway, do not give»
However, leave the funeral business, "Dad" (a nickname given to him younger colleagues) is not going to. "If you will not do anything, the ferrous and be stupefied" - says Permyak.
For an apartment of his father Andrew is not going to fight, because he can not forgive him for this act. Yes and wait for a gift of property from the state - is also a thankless task. Retired, they say, still does not give. Currently, the state can not provide housing for even existing military.
"Comradely very sympathize with him and want to help. I agree, bureaucracy and callousness we have with a vengeance. Including in the military. But he and Andrew V. his carefree attitude to solving everyday problems contributed to the situation "- sums up Igor Golovkin, Head of Perm regional recruiting office. By the way, old friend, "General hush-hush».



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