Medals, promotions, awards and commendations for MOD and CAF employees

On this occasion promotions, decorations of the Order of Ban Jelacic, Order of Petar Zrinski and Fran Krto Frankopan, commendations of the President, and commendations and awards of the Minister of Defence and Chief of General Staff were awarded. Master Sergeant Vladimir Vincelj was posthumously awarded with the Order of Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan.
Congratulating the promoted and awarded, President Ivo Josipovic recalled on the soldiers who took part in the Homeland War and Storm Operation, and who, therefore, contributed to the creation of freedom and democracy. Croatia has met many high goals, we are a member of NATO and we will soon be the EU member, but it is our duty to always do more and better, and the Armed Forces give their contribution – the execution of difficult tasks in international missions and engagements and cooperation with civil sector in the country. Today is the day to remember all those who participated in the war and have given everything for our country, but it is also a chance to look into the future – and in the future I see Croatia as economically successful, European and democratic country, a land of happy people”, Josipovic concluded.

Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic, said the Storm was a legitimate operation, and the people and soldiers who carried out this operation showed that for them nothing was impossible. Moving in 16 years from the Storm Operation to the country whose members participate in as many as 11 international military operations, the Croatian Armed Forces have made remarkable qualitative leap and rank among the most effective armed forces in the Euro-Atlantic area, said the minister among other things and added: “Today’s promotions and decorations are the indicator of the high criteria according to which, in the CAF we evaluate and reward excellence, motivation, training and quality. The leadership of the MOD and CAF by this sends a message what a Croatian officer is and what in the future should be”, Minister Bozinovic concluded.

Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovric said that Storm was the most important battle in the history of the Croatian people. “Croatia and its Armed Forces is now an important actor of peace around the world, ready for new challenges as NATO member and soon the EU member, and a firm supporter of peace.”

Colonel Marinko Ogorec thanked on behalf of all the promoted and awarded members of the MOD and Croatian Armed Forces.