Leader of "Our Ukraine" Viktor Yushchenko turns 50 on Monday, February 23. On the eve of his birthday, the jubilarian gave himself a gift — a day in the Carpathians. \n \n"On the eve of my birthday I gave myself a gift — I took a day and went with friends to the Carpathians and skied for almost six hours!" Yushchenko admitted in an interview with "Ukraine Young." He also reported that he first took up alpine skiing four years ago and since then has "caught the bug" for this sport. \n \n"Today I consider myself a good skier, I already go down so-called 'black' runs. In general, I really love the mountains. Back in my student years I worked for several years as an instructor in mountain tourism, led groups to the Carpathians. Now I try to get out to those parts at least once a year," Yushchenko stated. \n \nHe noted that in childhood he was proud of his birth date — February 23 was the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. This year the leader of "Our Ukraine" will mark his 50th jubilee on Defender of the Fatherland Day. \n \nIn an interview with the newspaper "Fakty," Yushchenko recalled that he was drafted into the army soon after graduating from the Ternopil Financial-Economic Institute. \n \n"In 1975, the young economist Yushchenko managed to work only two summer months as deputy chief accountant of a collective farm in the Ivano-Frankivsk region and then went off to serve on the Soviet-Turkish border," notes the newspaper "Fakty" in an interview with the leader of "Our Ukraine." \n \n"My border outpost was lost high in the mountains, to the nearest settlement — Leninakan — it was more than a hundred kilometers. Our service was not sweet. It happened that you'd crawl over the hills ten times back and forth, and you'd have only one desire — to hit the sack!" Yushchenko recalls. \n \n"But the water in this area was brought in, so we often had to melt snow, of which there was plenty for most of the year. Such water was used even for cooking," he said. \n \n"To the traditional question of a new recruit: 'how's the service?' someone among the 'old-timers' answered me: 'First they'll arm you with a shovel for clearing snow. Once you've mastered this tool of labor, consider that half your term has passed,'" said Yushchenko. \n \n"The main person for the soldiers was, of course, the postman. When he came once a week from Leninakan, a real holiday would begin at the outpost," Viktor Yushchenko said. He still keeps the letters he received in the army from relatives, friends and his beloved girl. "Recently I reread some of the messages, everything came flooding back to memory, as if it had happened yesterday," noted the leader of "Our Ukraine." \n \n"As with all recruits, Viktor was seen off to service by his beloved sweetheart. And just like all soldiers, he counted the minutes remaining until discharge, and therefore until meeting her again. True, this story ended sadly. No, the girl waited for him, but she married another man. Today the former feelings have already been forgotten, the wound has healed, but back then the young man experienced a serious life drama. He simply could not accept that for someone separation and circumstances could prove stronger than feelings," the interview says. \n \nOn Yushchenko's birthday, friends and colleagues from "Our Ukraine" congratulated him on his 50th jubilee. \n \n"Round dates have always played a prominent role in your life. 40 years — the post of head of the National Bank. At this time the decision is made to introduce the hryvnia. 45 years — head of government. The program of economic reforms is being implemented," says the greeting from the bloc's press service. \n \n"Today you are before a 'Rubicon' that must be crossed at the end of October. However, this is not only your Rubicon. Ukraine today is at a crossroads. The democratic forces that you personify — this is a chance for Ukraine to become a prosperous, strong state," the greeting notes. \n\nThe press service wished Yushchenko success in overcoming this milestone. "Patience, health and love to you and your loved ones. This is the age of experience, wisdom, energy and strength," the greeting says. \n