President Armen Sarkissian awarded Armenian hero soldier Hovhannes Poghosyan, seriously wounded in Artsakh in 2016, with 1st Degree Medal for Services Rendered to the Homeland on the Independence Day celebrated today. 

Before the solemn awarding ceremony, Panorama.am talked to Hovhannes and his mother, Mrs. Gayane.

“I feel better now. Though slowly, but I am getting better. I will continue my treatment at the Red Cross rehabilitation center starting from 24 September,” the Armenian hero said, expressing hope he will fully recover soon. 

Before suffering a severe craniocerebral injury on 13 May 2016 in Artsakh’s Talish, Hovhannes had also been wounded during the April war of the same year but he had gone back to the military positions without fully recovering.   

Mrs. Gayane also observes positive dynamics in his son’s health condition, especially regarding his speech capacities, meantime adding he still has memory and muscle issues. She says Hovhannes has received outpatient treatment at the Homeland Defender's Rehabilitation Center for three months after its opening, but the treatment has stopped for four months already since the center is overcrowded at the moment.

“But we do not abandon hope. Thanks to God, everything is going to be fine. He will be admitted to the Red Cross Rehabilitation Center on 24 September,” she added.  

Hovhannes wished peace and strong health to all Armenian soldiers on the Independence Day.