Helez to brave soldiers who rescued helicopter crew: You are the pride of our country

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez, along with his deputies Slaven Galić and Aleksandar Goganović, received members of the artillery battalion from the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Colonel Muhamed Ganić, who rescued the distressed crew of a helicopter that crashed into Jablanica Lake.

Without hesitation, the first to rush to the aid of the distressed helicopter crew were Second Lieutenant Ahmed Opardija, Corporal Anel Gostevčić, First Class Soldier Dženan Ščuk, First Class Soldier Eldin Prevljak, and Soldier Arnes Burić, and thanks to their swift 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, Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević, and the Commander of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Mirzet Lubenović.

Minister Helez extended a warm welcome to the brave members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- You rushed to help without thinking and saved several lives, I congratulate you on that. I know there were also negative comments, but do not pay attention to them, there will always be such. Continue working with enthusiasm as before and remain the pride of our country. Thank you on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all of us - said Helez.

He emphasized that the members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be financially rewarded for their courage and professionalism.

Deputy Galić thanked the members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina for everything they do, stating that they are heroes and the pride of the country.

Deputy Goganović emphasized that human lives cannot be compensated by anything, therefore the actions of the members of the artillery battalion from the 4th Infantry Brigade are commendable.

The Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lieutenant General Knežević, congratulated the members who rushed to the aid of the distressed helicopter crew of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina without hesitation.

- The most important thing is that there were no casualties, because everything else is replaceable. Such things happen even in the most organized systems, but we must work to ensure it does not happen again - added Knežević.