November 5, an official cancellation ceremony of a stamp dedicated to Capt. Ivan Shelokhvostov, a Hero of the Russian Federation, a commander of a Vityaz special purpose unit assault team of Dzerzhinsky Independent Operational Purpose Division of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
The event was held within the territory of Dzerzhinsky Independent Operational Purpose Division of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation garrison in Balashikha, Moscow Oblast. Colonel General Viktor Zolotov, the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Commander-in-Chief of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Oleg Dukhovnitskiy, Head of the Federal Communications Agency.
Capt. Ivan Shelokhvostov (1978–2003) was a commander of a Vityaz special purpose unit assault team of Dzerzhinsky Independent Operational Purpose Division of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. On 4 February 2003, he died as a hero covering the retreat of his companions in arms during a special operation on disarming and eliminating illegal armed groups in the Chechen Republic.
By a decree of the President of the Russian Federation No 750 dd 8 July 2003, Ivan Shelokhvostov was awarded the title of the Hero of the Russian Federation for courage and heroism shown on duty in the North Caucasus.
“The image of Ivan Shelokhvostov will forever be immortalized on a postage stamp. His feat serves an example of courage, bravery and selfless service to Russia”, — said the Head of Rossvyaz.
Certificates to wear maroon berets, symbols of honor and valor of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, were handed in to Vityaz service members after the cancellation ceremony. Each of the award recipients also received a commemorative frame with postage stamps and envelopes.
Design: A. Drobyshev.
Face value: 17 RUB.
Size of stamp: 42×30 mm, size of sheet: 104×110 mm.
Form of issue: sheet with illustrated margins (2×3) of 5 stamps and a coupon.
Circulation: 210,000 stamps (42,000 sheets).
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