President Milanović presents aviator badge to seven air force pilots: You are the successors of the bravest among the bravest
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a presentation ceremony of Croatian Air Force aviator badges to the 26th generation of air force cadets in the “Pukovnik Mirko Vukušić“ barracks in Zemunik. The President of the Republic presented the Croatian Air Force aviator badge to seven air force pilots: second lieutenant Domagoj Ištvanović, cadet Marino Bukvić, cadet Dominik Mikolčić, cadet Dominik Katavić, cadet Karlo Brus, cadet Ivona Babić and private Tony Pazman.
The President of the Republic told the air force pilots that they are the successors of the bravest among the bravest. “They were the bravest because they were pioneers in impossible conditions in which it was a miracle to survive. You know that, you’re aware of that because it’s the way you were raised. In Europe you belong to a unique category, the only fliers who were in a life threatening situation thirty years ago”, President Milanović noted in his address.
He went on to say that in all the oaths that the Croatian soldiers swear, in all services and branches, loyalty to the Croatian constitution, the Croatian legal and democratic order is mentioned. “In other words, to that which is the foundation and the main task of the Croatian Army and the Croatian Armed Forces – namely the defense of Croatia. As far as your job is concerned, Croatia is in the first place”, President Milanović stated, and added that as allies and partners one should be loyal, but their first and foremost task is to defend Croatia.
Congratulating the air force pilots on their Croatian Air Force aviator badges, President MIlanović said that they have completed a complex schooling that isn’t made for everyone. “It’s a selection of individuals in terms of the programme and the way of life ahead of you. I wish you luck, be prudent, bold, but shrewd and conservative in certain matters, watch out for yourselves, and take care of the equipment that you have at your disposal. You are fortunate, you were born at the right time. The quality of the aircraft is better than the one your predecessors flew. That’s a good thing and I’m certain you’re mature for the task”, President Milanović said in concluding his address.
Attending the aviator badge presentation ceremony alongside President Milanović were the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Siniša Jurković, and the Commander of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defense Brigadier General Michael Križanec.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas