The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez with his deputies Slaven Galić and Aleksandar Goganović received the members of the artillery battalion from the 4th pbr of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina headed by Colonel Muhamed Ganić, who rescued the crew of the helicopter that fell into the Jablanička lake.
Lieutenant Ahmed Opardija, Corporal Anel Gostevcic, Private 1st Class Dženan Ščuk, Private 1st Class Eldin Prevljak and Private Arnes Burić were the first to help the stricken helicopter crew without thinking, and thanks to their quick reaction there were no casualties in the helicopter crash.
The reception with the minister was also attended by the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colonel General Gojko Knežević, and the Commander of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Mirzet Lubenović.
Minister Helez wished a warm welcome to the brave members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“You came to the rescue without thinking and saved several lives, I congratulate you on that. I know there were some negative comments, but don’t look back, there will always be that. Continue to work with enthusiasm as before and remain the pride of our country. Thank you on behalf of the MoD and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all of us,” Helez said.
The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized that the members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be newly rewarded for their courage and professionalism.
Deputy Galić thanked the members of the Armed Forces of BiH for everything they do, saying that they are heroes and the pride of the country.
Deputy Goganović emphasized that human lives cannot be replaced by anything, that is why the actions of the members of the artillery battalion from the composition of the 4th pbr are to be commended.
The head of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colonel General Knežević congratulated the members who without thinking came to the aid of the injured helicopter crew of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The most important thing is that there were no human victims, because everything else is compensable. Such things happen even in the most organized systems, but we must work to ensure that it does not happen again,” stressed General Knežević.