The homecoming ceremony for the 5^th HRVCON to NATO’s EFP in Poland was held in the Barracks “Bilogora” in Bjelovar on 30 June 2020.The ceremony was attended by the State Secretary for Defence Tomislav Ivić, by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj, by the Commander of the Croatian Army Major General Boris Šerić, by the Commander of the 5^th HRVCON Major Marijan Žukina and other senior visitors.”Bidding you welcome back, after successfully completing your task within the 5^th Croatian Contingent to EFP in Poland, under the leadership of Major Žukina, where you represented your homeland in a dignified and visible manner, and I extend my heart-felt congratulations. The mission in the multinational environment contributes to the strength and reputation of the Croatian Armed Forces.Be proud of the results achieved and the tasks performed. Your engagement in Poland was an opportunity both to build new capabilities and to present our national capabilities and experiences to our allies, strengthening the Alliance and its efficiency at your level”, concluded State Secretary Ivić. 

 Admiral Robert Hranj bid welcome to the Contingent members

“I congratulate you and I am happy, among other things, that you have successfully taken care of your health and the health of your colleagues in these extraordinary circumstances, and I especially congratulate the commander who had the greatest responsibility. The Croatian Armed Forces have again proved that we are a responsible member of NATO, providing credible support to our allies and partners. The engagement in the EFP was an opportunity to acquire new experiences and knowledge in a multinational environment. Your obligation is now to pass on these experiences and lessons learned to your colleagues”, said Admiral Hranj.

 Protecting peace and stability

Major General Boris Šerić congratulated the members on their achievements during their engagement and the international activity. “I congratulate you on completing your task in the difficult circumstances characterised by the COVID threat, which showed that the Croatian Armed Forces were actively and professionally contributing to the efforts towards peace and stability and thus protecting the national interest”, said General Šerić, who expressed appreciation to the families of the Contingent members and congratulated to those who received awards and commendations. The commander of the 5^th HRVCON, Major Marijan Žukina, began his address saying: “There is no place like home!” “We did have a rich experience from various national and international activities and from the Homeland War as well, but we felt we were embarking on a novel mission”, said Major Žukina, who stressed that the Contingent’s mission had been to present the Croatian Armed Forces and Croatia, which they did well, completing a series of training activities, and they also demonstrated ability to respond to novel challenges upon the introduction of preventive epidemiological measures in March.The 5^th HRVCON to EFPBG – POL is composed of 80 members, the major component coming from the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Army. The meriting members were presented with awards and commendations, and after the ceremony the visitors toured the Artillery Headquarters, housing a 16^th Artillery and Missile Brigade Memorial Room.