The formal send-off ceremony for the 2nd Croatian Contingent to the Resolute Support mission in…
Homecoming for 12th HRVCON to Resolute Support Mission
“When the overall peace building efforts in Afghanistan are evaluated, I am convinced that members of the Croatian Armed Forces will be commended for invaluable contribution“
The homecoming ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović, by the Defence Minister Mario Banožić and by the Chief of the General, Admiral Robert Hranj and by defence attaches of the United States, of Montenegro and of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Croatia.
President Milanović welcomed home the members of the Croatian Armed Forces, and emphasised that they proved excellence, professionalism and readiness of Croatian soldiers and that the return of the 12th marked the end the engagement of the Croatian Armed Forces in Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
Defence Minister Banožić emphasised that more than 5,500 Croatian soldiers have taken part in the mission in Afghanistan since 2003.
“When the overall peace building efforts in Afghanistan are evaluated, I am convinced that members of the Croatian Armed Forces will be commended for invaluable contribution“,
Admiral Hranj said the mission proved the Croatian soldiers to be deign successors of the brave Croatian defenders from the Homeland War.
“You have proved that we belong to a community of professional and trained armed forces the Croatian citizens, allies and partners can always rely on”, said Admiral Hranj
The Commander of the 12th HRVCON Colonel Ivica Matanović said the participation in the Resolute Support Mission left a lasting impression on him, as the end of the mission in which members of the Croatian Armed Forces provided their most concrete contribution to the international stability and security.
Sergeant Major Graciela Špiljak said the Mission was an excellent opportunity to exchange experience with colleagues from foreign armed forces.
”My family merits my gratitude for the support provided and for making my participation in the mission possible”, said S.M. Špiljak.
As many as 4,432 members of the Croatian Armed Forces took part in the Operation ISAF, and 1,290 members in the Resolute Support Mission respectively.
Croatian version: