Return of 18th HRVCON members to Croatia

CAF members were welcomed by the representative of the Minister of Defence and Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Command Operations Centre Brigadier General Vlado Šindler, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Defence Command Brigadier General Ivan Konc, Commander of the Guard Motorized Brigade, Brigadier General Mladen Fuzul, Commander of the Special Operations Battalion Colonel Dražen Ressler, and other military officials.

On behalf of the Minister of Defence and Chief of General Staff and all employees of GS, General Šindler welcome them: “Welcome to your homeland, to your families, colleagues and friends.” He noted that all tasks were performed expertly and highly professional. “By that you confirmed what was shown by your predecessors -Armed Forces are highly professional force and responsible ally, and that the Croatian people can be proud of the members of its Armed Forces”. He said he believed that these 6 months in the ISAF operation was invaluable experience that would benefit not only in the case of re-engagement in the mission but also in their future work. “Don’t keep your experience and knowledge to yourself but share it with your colleagues” said General Šindler. He also stressed the importance of support provided by their families which certainly assisted them in performing tasks.

“Members of the 18^th HRVCON performing their regular duties in the ISAF honourably emphasized their background and national insignia of the Republic of Croatia in the international environment and were often singled out as an example”, said operating officer of the Commander team of 18^th HRVCON Lieutenant Colonel Željko Pavičić. During their stay in the ISAF, members of 18^th HRVCON passed their knowledge and experience unselfishly to Afghan security forces, have been working conscientiously, competently and professionally by building a friendly relationship with members of both ANA and all the people of Afghanistan. “We always have firstly in mind the appreciation of any culture and customs of the host country and promote peace and human freedom”, Lt. Colonel Pavičić said and thanked everyone in the Armed Forces for their support and understanding. “Your work will remain permanently inscribed in the history of Afghanistan, and lessons learned you will certainly apply to your duties in the Armed Forces in the country”.

For success, professional and responsible performance of tasks in ISAF, contingent members were given commendations and awards.