The Ministry of Defense awarded the Military Act of the Year 2024 awards. In four categories, three soldiers, as well as several teams, became laureates. TASR informed the head of the press department Michal Bachratý.
“The Military Act of the Year poll is proof that values such as courage, honor, ministry and humanity are still alive in the armed forces (OS) of the Slovak Republic. The Defense Ministry hereby expresses their thanks to all who, by their example, contribute to building trust between the armed forces and the public. The aim of the survey is to highlight and appreciate the deeds of the defense department, as well as citizens, which, by their humane character, moral message and dedication, exceed their duties and spread positive values associated with military service and patriotism, ”said Bachratý.
As he added, the currently nominated stories captured the moments of courage in crisis situations or cooperation with the armed forces by the civilian sector. According to him, the resort is trying to bring the work of soldiers closer to the general public. “The winners were decided by a commission composed of defense representatives under the leadership of the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, President of the Slovak Republic Petr Pellegrini,” explained the head of the press department of the department.
In the category of life saving, Jozef Bodnár and Lukáš Ivanecký from the 20th Battalion of the Logistics Prešov of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic became awarded. Both of them saved five human lives on the beach in Latvia near the military base in Adza in two separate cases on the beach in Latvia. They pulled three children from the stormy sea and later a man with a daughter. “Thanks to their presence, courage and willingness to help out of service, the tragedy has been avoided. Their act is a clear proof of the military sense of responsibility, courage and dedication,” said Bachratý.
The laureate in the category of assistance to the public was Jozef Blaho from 901. The Engineering Battalion Sered 91. According to the bachhet, Blaho is a engine of charitable activities. It organizes collections for families of deceased colleagues, children of soldiers, sanitary facilities and communities in deployment countries. He also participated in benefit events or building symbolic reverent places.
President and members of the Czech and Slovak village of artillery became laureates in the category of the Friend of the Army. They won the award for the popularization of artillery and military traditions. “They fit cadets to the state of the Knight of Artillery and cooperate with several armed forces and institutions. Their activities significantly contribute to building confidence in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, the spread of pride on military craft and preserving historical memory for generations,” said Bachratý laureates. As he added, they also organize commemorative events or lectures.
In the last category of the service service, several teams of soldiers were awarded for successful humanitarian and evacuation operation in an extremely demanding and dangerous situation during the escalation of the conflict in Beirut in October 2024. “Thanks to their deployment, 94 persons in the area of the area immediately at risk were evacuated. Their performance is evidence of the readiness of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic to protect lives in crisis situations at home and abroad,” stressed the head of the press department of the department.
