3rd HRVCON formally sent-off to EFP in Poland

The 3rd HRVCON to NATO EFP in Poland was formally sent-off at a ceremony held in the Barracks “Benkovac“ on 18 October 2018; the ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister  Damir Krstičević as Envoy of the President of the Republic,  by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Matanović, the Commander of the Guards Mechanised Brigade Brigadier General Tihomir Kundid, the U. S. Defence Attaché Colonel Robert Mathers, by the Defence Attaché of the Republic of Poland Colonel Tomasz Gora and representatives of the Zadar County.

Addressing the audience on behalf of the President of the Republic as Supreme Commander, Minister Krstičević emphasised that the participation in NATO EFP was  the opportunity for the  Croatian Armed Forces to operate shoulder to shoulder with the strategic  allies – the United States, the United Kingdom and Romania.

“The Republic of Poland is a  friendly and partner country, with whose people we share the same values, and who supported Croatia in its hardest moments; I am glad therefore that we  can contribute to the security of the friendly people and to our overall security. The Exercise “Velebit 18 – Joint Force“ that ended last week has shown that the Croatian Armed Forces Exercise belongs  amongs the best: It is up to you how much effort and commitment you are going to invest to draw benefit  for your unit and the overall system  from this opportunity“, said the Minister.

The EFP is an opportunity to show solidarity with the friendly country and the distinct Croatian quality – emotions and readiness to assist anyone in need. Act proudly and with dignity as Croatian ambassadors in an international community“, concluded the Minister.

Lieutenant General Matanović said that the “Enhanced Forward Presence“ confirmed the unity of the member nations and a strong transatlantic link.

“The Croatian Armed Forces have again demonstrated to belong to the community of professional and trained militaries always at the service of the Croatian citizens, allies and partners. My appreciation goes to your families  for supporting your noble decision to take part in an international peace support activity“, said  Lt. Gen. Matanović.

Brig. Gen. Kundid called on the Contingent members to promote the true values of Croatian soldiers during their engagement.

“You have respectable knowledge and experience to fulfill any task assigned to you. Keep performing them with excellence“, said  Brig Gen. Kundid.

Colonel Robert Mathers  praised the deployment of another contingent of the Croatian Armed Forces to the Republic of Poland, and the opportunity for the  U.S. soldiers will have the opportunity to learn from the Croatian colleagues.

The Polish attaché  Colonel  Tomasz Gora agreed with the U.S. Attaché, stating that Croatia has repeatedly proved to be an excellent ally.

The 3rd HRVCON Commander, Captain Željko Trček underlined the demanding pre-deployment training of the Contingent, which showcased a high level of readiness, excellence and professionalism of Croatian soldiers.

“I am proud that the Contingent is composed of members with the experience from the Homeland War  which they share  with other soldiers,”  said Cpt Trček.

A mass was recited ahead of the  departure of the 3rd HRVCON, by f Ilija Mikulić.

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