Goruyn Karleni Soghomonyan was born on June 30, 1984 in the village of Tsaghkashat in the Askeran region of Artsakh. He received his secondary education in his native village and his higher education at Mesrop Mashtots University in Stepanakert.

On April 2, 2016, he was assigned as a commander over a special unit of 10 men in Ghurband, Aghdam. With his sniper skills, they disbanded three enemy commanders and attacked a large number of enemy troops. The enemy fled in panic, unable to break through the front.

For his bravery during April 2016 war, Goruyn was awarded the Baghramyan medal for heroism.

From the very first day, Goruyn took part in the war that started on September 27, 2020, as a commander of the rapid reaction squad, with the rank of Captain. Under his command, the unit was able to break through the enemy’s line, seize 2 enemy positions, and cause big losses to the enemy's manpower. Goruyn confiscated ammunition and important documents, mined the whole area, and returned without any casualties. Goruyn was a brave and just commander, always by the side of his soldiers. On October 31, 2020, he was nominated for the rank of major. He was supposed to return to the positions the same day after receiving another combat mission, but unfortunately, he was killed that night. Goruyn was awarded the Order of Courage. As a national hero, his memory will always live in our hearts.

Goruyn’s dream was to raise his 3 beautiful children in their ancestral home in the village of Dzaghgashad in Artsakh where they all lived with his mother, Elmira. The house has been in their family for more than 100 years. During the war, a bomb exploded in the backyard of the house, causing structural damage. Goruyn was renovating the house slowly, working on it gradually, but with him gone, the house needs extensive renovations. Friends of Artsakh of Detroit decided to renovate the house and make Goruyn’s dream come true.

Rebuilding of Goruyn's House

By Armenian Community Center of Greater Detroit

Rebuilding of Goruyn's House

Rebuilding the home of a fallen soldier who has dedicated his life to his country and family.

Team Members