The Order of the Red Star was awarded to outstanding soldiers for military exploits and courage demonstrated in defence of the Fatherland. There are many people in Turkmenistan who have been awarded this order. As a rule, these are soldiers of the Great Victory.

Among them − Myrat Gurbanov, born in 1912 in the village of Kishtivan (now the city of Turkmenabat), Chary Nazarov, born in 1910 in the village of Vtoroy Suhty (now the Murgap etrap), Ylyas Ovezgeldiyev, born in 1914 in the village of Gokje, Bazar Rahmanov, born in 1925 in the village of Garamahmut in the Sakar etrap, and the writer Seyitniyaz Atayev, born in 1924 in the village of Anev.

And these are just a few whose names are known for certain. The history and statistics of awards of this order indicate that there were multiple recipients of the Order of the Red Star. In the former Soviet, this order was awarded to 5 people − six times (!) 30 people − five times, 150 people − four times, and more than a thousand soldiers − three times.

Often, chance reveals unknown facts about individuals, our fellow countrymen, who we meet on the streets almost every day, greet, communicate, and spend a lot of time with us at various festive events. It was such a coincidence that I met a very modest man who was awarded... two military Orders of the Red Star. This is our contemporary – Erkin Inoyatovich Tillyayev. A pensioner, a retired colonel lieutenant.

It so happened that at one of the celebrations on the occasion of defender of the Fatherland Day, established in 2009, Erkin Inoyatovich came in a civilian suit, on the lapel of which, along with a considerable number of medals and awards, there were also... two Orders of the Red Star (!).

Even those who have known and communicated with Erkin Inoyatovich for many years were genuinely surprised when they saw the awards. The reaction of Tillyayev to the increased attention from those around him was completely calm, apparently due to his many years of service in the law enforcement agencies of Turkmenistan.

Previously, Erkin Inoyatovich had attended events celebrating defender of the Fatherland Day without his awards, but this time, as it turned out later, he was asked to wear his medals (there were student cadets and young officers nearby), and therefore he could not refuse.

Due to the nature of his previous service, Erkin Inoyatovich carried out activities related to ensuring law and order and security in the country. There was no point in asking why exactly he had received such high military awards, since, as expected, a lot of time would have to pass before it could be talked about. For now, one thing is clear: such orders are not awarded so easily.

As for what Erkin Inoyatovich does during his well-deserved retirement, he can often be found on stadium running tracks or in the swimming pool; he is used to always «being in shape». Even now, in his seventies, he can run long distances, not inferior to younger ones, and in the pool at various distances, he is always among the leaders. Erkin Inoyatovich devotes his free time to raising his grandchildren Lale and Inoyat. During these festive days, the editorial staff of the online newspaper «Turkmenistan: Golden Age» joins in congratulating Erkin Inoyatovich and other veteran soldiers, wishing them good spirits and good health.