The President of the Republic hosts reception for best soldiers and NCOs in 2016

The reception was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov, the Deputy Chief, Lieutenant General Drago Matanović, the Director of the General Staff, Rear admiral Robert Hranj, the Chief Defence Inspector, Major General  Slaven Zdilar, the Assistant Minister Zoran Piličić, the Croatian Armed Forces Command Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major of the Army Dominik Ban, the commanders and the command sergeants major of the services of the Armed Forces and of the units subordinated to the General Staff.
Addressing the awarded members the President praised them as models for capabilities, knowledge, creativity and motivation of the Croatian Armed Forces. “Your presence here illustrates one of my mottos since taking the office: the human resources are our biggest asset and the value which requires due attention“.
The President also underlined the increased defence budget, to  enable providing better conditions for the members of the Armed Forces and motivate them to perform their demanding tasks“. “Security and stability in many  neighbouring countries, particularly to the east and south of Europe are deteriorated, increasing the likelihood of security threats“, said the President.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov said that the awards for the best performing enlisted soldiers and NCOs was a commendable  practice to be maintained, rewarding the extraordinary efforts invested by individuals in the execution of their military tasks.
“This recognition is highly important as it at once rewards the meriting enlisted soldiers and NCOs’ performance and motivates all others to invest additional efforts. The results of the best performing members have to be recognised and presented as an example to follow for the others. It maximises our  efficiency in meeting the demands placed before our Armed Forces, at home or in the international peace support operations and missions“, said General Šundov.
The best performing enlisted soldier of the Croatian Armed Forces in 2016 is private Božana Barišić, who extended the appreciation to the President, the Chief of the General Staff and her superiors and expressed the pride over the recognition of her work and efforts and over being selected from a large group of soldiers. “The title of the best performing enlisted soldier of the CAF will encourage me to strive for still better performance and new knowledge and skills. My family and my children will be so proud of me and I believe that I will serve as their  role model“, said Pvt Barišić.
The best performing NCO of the Croatian Armed Forces in  2016 is Sergeant Dalibor Vondra, who said that the recognition he received was a incentive to all members of the NCO Corps to continue working, exercising and taking education and training programmes for the benefit of the future development of the Croatian Armed Forces“.
“Our success shows our commitment to the honourable military service and to the desired  image and qualities of the Croatian soldiers“, said Sgt Vondra.