The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, today, February 26, 2025, presented the award to the best soldier of the Croatian Armed Forces for 2024, Sergeant Antoni Picek.
On this occasion, the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces congratulated Officer Picek and emphasized: "This recognition is not only a confirmation of your excellence, but also a motivation for all members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia. With your work, you have shown strength of character and exceptional courage, making you a role model not only in the unit, but also in the entire Croatian Army. Be proud of your undertaking, just as we are proud of you. Continue to improve yourself and set high goals, because your example is proof that effort and dedication always pay off."
Sergeant Picek has been a member of the Croatian Army since January 19, 2023, and contributes to the Croatian Air Force with his work within the 91st Wing, in the Aviation Technical Company for servicing, maintenance and flight support.
This recognition was awarded to him for his exceptional quality of work, expertise and dedication in performing his daily tasks, but also for his courageous and composed actions during a serious plane crash in which several lives were saved.
Namely, Officer Picek, who is a skydiver in his free time, was participating in a skydive with four other people, including the pilot, on May 25, 2024, when shortly after takeoff, the Cessna plane experienced engine failure and crashed in a wooded area.
Officer Picek remained calm, helped the pilot and injured parachutists, called emergency services, and directed search teams, using a piece of wreckage to signal the helicopter.
This extraordinary composure, courage, and selfless sacrifice were key to saving multiple lives and are the reason why Officer Antonio Picek was named the best soldier of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia for 2024.
Awards presented to the best non-commissioned officers and soldiers of 2024
Also, in mid-February, awards were ceremoniously presented to the best soldiers and non-commissioned officers in 2024, as follows:
For January, Staff Sergeant Anđelko Vukas from the Intelligence Regiment was awarded the best non-commissioned officer, and Private Nikola Bebić from the Croatian Navy was awarded the best soldier.
The best non-commissioned officer of February was named Petty Officer Krešimir Naglić from the Honor Guard Battalion, and the best soldier was Corporal Borna Majer from the Croatian Army.
Corporal Dejan Dundović from the Support Command is the best non-commissioned officer, and Sergeant Ivan Buljan from the Croatian Navy is the best soldier in March, while Corporal Zvonimir Primorac from the Croatian Army was declared the best non-commissioned officer for April, and Private Karlo Kadija from the Croatian Air Force was declared the best soldier.
The best non-commissioned officer in May is Corporal Gloria Dretvić from the Honor Guard Battalion, while Private Dorotea Jurković from the Intelligence Regiment was declared the best female soldier.
For the month of June, Sergeant Jere Čikeš from the Croatian Navy was declared the best non-commissioned officer, and Sergeant Tomislav Zadrić from the Croatian Army was declared the best soldier.
The best non-commissioned officer in July is Staff Sergeant Franjo Braim from the Intelligence Regiment, and the best soldier is Corporal Vando Delić from the Croatian Land Army.
In August, the best non-commissioned officer is Corporal Josip Rebić from the Croatian Land Army, while Corporal Zrinko Dejanović from the Croatian Land Army is the best soldier.
Corporal Antonio Đurčević from the Croatian Land Army was the best non-commissioned officer in September, and Corporal Ivan Živko Markasović from the Croatian Land Army was the best soldier, while in October, Corporal Mijat Perić from the Special Forces Command was named the best non-commissioned officer and Corporal Ante Turčin from the Croatian Air Force was named the best soldier.
The best non-commissioned officer in November was Sergeant Jandrija Buha from the Support Command, and the best soldier was Sergeant Antonio Dražina from the Croatian Land Forces. In December, the best non-commissioned officer was Staff Sergeant Stevo Rubčić from the Croatian Land Forces, and the best soldier was Sergeant Lovro Krišto from the Special Forces Command.
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia are proud of their members who, with their dedication, professionalism and dedication to service, constitute the core values of the Croatian Army, and the awards awarded serve as an incentive for all members to continue with high standards of military service and loyalty to the Homeland.
Source and photo: MOD
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