COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF CROATIAN DEFENDERS TREATED from post-traumatic stress disorder REPUBLIC OF CROATIAN

Dana 13. February 2026. The Electoral Assembly of the Association of Associations of Croatian Veterans Treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of the Republic of Croatia was held, which was attended by representatives of member county associations from all parts of the Republic of Croatia.
By unanimous decision of all delegates present, for a new mandate lasting four years, Mr. was elected president. Tihomir Trešćec, which confirmed confidence in his previous work and leadership. Mr. was re-elected as the general secretary. Ivica Turić.
The newly elected leadership thanked the delegates for their trust and stressed that they will continue to work hard to protect the rights and promote the interests of Croatian veterans suffering from PTSD., as well as strengthening cooperation with competent institutions and related associations. ZUHBL PTSP of the Republic of Croatia continues its activities with the aim of improving the quality of life of its members and preserving the dignity and value of the Homeland War.

Representatives of our association attended the conference of the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society “From vision to change” in Zadar!
We are glad that we had the opportunity to be part of this inspiring event that brought together experts, organizations and enthusiasts dedicated to community development and creating positive change.
Our members participated in the lectures, workshops and exchange of experiences, and we returned home full of new ideas, contacts and motivation for further work. We thank the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society for the excellent conference and look forward to future meetings and collaborations!

During October, In November and December, three workshops were held to provide psychosocial support to Croatian veterans treated for PTSD and their family members.. The workshops were led by a long-time colleague dr. Elvira Koić, and were aimed at strengthening the understanding of the psychological and physical consequences of trauma and at developing personal capacities for recovery.
Through workshops under the names "PTSD, dementia and cardiomyopathy", "PTSD and retraumatization" and "How to start post-traumatic growth" participants were introduced to the interrelationship between mental and physical health, the mechanisms of reliving the trauma and the possibilities of personal growth after traumatic experiences. Special emphasis is placed on the recognition of symptoms, strengthening resistance, the importance of family support and encouraging active involvement in the recovery process.
The workshops were conducted in a stimulating and safe environment, with the active participation of students, exchange of experiences and practical advice, and the participants expressed their satisfaction with the content and useful information obtained.

The community of associations of Croatian veterans treated for PTSD in the Republic of Croatia organized a three-day pilgrimage to Medjugorje for its members in the period from 14. do 16. November. The activity was carried out as part of a project financed by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, with the aim of providing spiritual support, strengthening unity and encouraging the emotional empowerment of Croatian veterans.
The departure was organized by bus from Zagreb, with a well-coordinated schedule and accompanied by a tour guide. After arriving in Metković, the participants were accommodated in comfortable and affordable accommodation that allowed them to rest and prepare for the spiritual program. On the second day, the pilgrimage continued towards Medjugorje, where pilgrims visited important shrines, participated in the prayer program, mass celebration and spiritual considerations.
Special emphasis is placed on joint prayer, conversation and mutual support, which contributed to the creation of a warm and encouraging environment for all participants. Through socializing and mutual exchange of experiences, veterans had the opportunity to strengthen their emotional health, to deepen spirituality and renew the sense of belonging to the community.
Pilgrims returned enriched with positive experiences, inner peace and renewed strength, which confirms the value of such activities for Croatian veterans treated for PTSD.

Dana 9.-11. November 2025. were held in Vodice 21. Sports competition of Croatian veterans treated for PTSD of the Republic of Croatia "Vodice 2025."
Twenty-one years of holding these sports games is proof of strength, togetherness and perseverance of Croatian veterans treated for PTSD, as well as their inexhaustible will to through sports, socializing and positive energy continue to build the spirit of friendship and solidarity that graced us even in the most difficult moments of the Homeland War. These games became a symbol of unity and a reminder of the importance of mutual support, understanding and perseverance in dealing with everyday challenges. Sport has always been more than just competition – it connects people, it encourages respect, teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit. For the Croatian defenders, he has an additional one, deeper value: through sports activities, that fighting spirit is reawakened, the determination and sense of belonging that were the basis of our togetherness at a time when it was most needed. Participation in sports contributes not only to the preservation of physical health, but also to strengthen mental stability and social connection, which is extremely important for the veteran population.
This year's competition was held in four sports disciplines: chess, darts, table tennis and archery, and gathered numerous veterans from different parts of Croatia. The atmosphere was filled with sportsmanship, mutual respect and friendship, which once again confirmed the importance of such events for the preservation of the veteran community. After a series of exciting and fair competitions, the overall winner of the games was Zagreb County, whose competitors showed exceptional skill, discipline and team spirit.
The participants and guests were formally greeted by Tihomir Treščec, President of the Association of Associations of Croatian Veterans Treated for PTSD of the Republic of Croatia, Ante Cukrov, mayor of Vodice, Nenad Tisaj, deputy prefect of Šibenik-Knin County, and Marko Ratković, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans Toma Medved. Their words of support and recognition were a strong incentive for all participants to continue to preserve the values ​​of community, perseverance and pride represented by Croatian veterans.
Association for sports and recreation "Veteran 91" was a partner in the organization of the sports competition, providing technical and logistical support, while Mario Sačer successfully moderated the program and with his performance additionally contributed to the warm and festive atmosphere of the event.
These sports games once again showed that the Croatian defenders, despite life's challenges, they remain an example of togetherness, strength and optimism - values ​​that still inspire new generations.
RESULTS BY DISCIPLINES:
CHESS: 1. UHBL PTSD Sisak County; 2. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 3. UHBL PTSD of Međimurje County
The best chess player: Milan Brigljević – UHBL PTSP SMŽ
 DART: 1. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 2. UHBL PTSD Zagreb; 3. UHBL PTSD Koprivnica County "St.. Marko Križevčanin "
The best darts player: Tihomir Ptičar – UHBL PTSP ZŽ
Table tennis: 1. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 2. UHBL PTSD Vukovar-Sirmium County; 3. UHBL PTSD Sisak County
The best table tennis player: Tomislav Glad – UHBL PTSP ZŽ
 SHOOTING: 1. UHBL PTSD Sisak County; 2. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 3. UHBL PTSD of Međimurje County
Best scorer: Gjorgji Arsoski – UHBL PTSP SMŽ
We congratulate UHBL PTSP Zagrebačka County on the overall victory and winning the transitional cup for 2025. year.

In the French town of Villefranche de Rouerguie is solemnly marked 82. anniversary of the rebellion of Croatian and Bosniak soldiers against the Nazi regime, an event considered the first such rebellion on France's soil during the Second World War, in September 1943. The. It is a historic act that has forever remained a symbol of courage and determination of members in collective memory 13. the "Handschar" regiment that are, despite difficult circumstances, raised an uprising against their superior and occupiers.
At the invitation of the Mayor of Villefranche and the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in France, The commemoration was attended by numerous guests from Croatia and France. In addition to representatives of Croatian veterans associations and diplomacy, The event was attended by French war veterans, local authorities and citizens who pay tribute to this historic event every year. The Croatian delegation was led by Senka Buric's job, While a special place in the protocol was occupied by the President of the Community of Veterans' Associations, Tihomir Trešćec, together with other representatives of Croatian veterans. Their presence emphasized the importance of mutual connection and continuity in nurturing historical memory. The commemoration program included a formal mouse in honor of the suffered soldiers, laying wreaths at the scene of suffering - Champs des Martyrs (Martyr's field) - and addressing domestic and foreign representatives. It was particularly pointed out that the victim of rebel soldiers should not be forgotten, for she still echoes strongly as a symbol of the fight for freedom, justice and human dignity.
The city of Villefranche de Rouergue has nurtured the memory of this event for decades, and the Croatian Memorial Park, decorated 2006. on the site of the suffering, remains a permanent reminder of the victim and courage of soldiers. The park has become a gathering place, joint memories and the French-Croatian friendship that is transmitted to new generations.
Rebellion from 1943. The, Although suffocated in the blood, had a big echo - inspired the locals and served as a strong moral impetus to the French resistance movement. That's why today's commemoration, In addition to paying honors to the victims, and a reminder of the universal values ​​of freedom and solidarity connected by the Croatian and French people, and who have grown from that historical victim. -more here-

On Sunday, 27. April 2025., The traditional was held in Križevci 20. Fišijada and a competition in sports fishing, Organized by Croatian Veterans' Associations treated with PTSD. The event began with a solemn laying of wreaths and burning candles in memory of the dead and deceased Croatian veterans. While teams from members were preparing Fish Paprikaš Association, In the premises of the Croatian Veterans' Association treated with PTSD “Sv. Marko Križevčanin” The reporting assembly of the Community of Associations of Croatian Veterans Treated by PTSD of the Republic of Croatia was held (ZUHBL PTSP RH).
Eight teams participated in the competition in the cooking of the Fisha, and the best were declared:
1. place - UHBL PTSD Karlovac County
2. place -UHBL PTSD Vukovar-Srijem County
3. place -UHBL PTSD Dubrovnik-Neretva County
After evaluating, delicious fish stew is divided by all present, who enjoyed a shared lunch and socializing. The gathering then continued on Lake Bajer with a competition in sports fishing.
The most successful fishermen were:
1. place - Žarko Topolovec (HBDRL PTSD - Međimurje County)
2. place - Ivica Trehub (UHBL PTSD Wexford County)
3. place - damir gifts (HBDRL PTSD - Međimurje County)
We thank all the participants, Associations and visitors who have contributed to the successful organization of this important and traditional event with their presence and engagement with the successful organization of this important and traditional event.

As part of the empowerment of Croatian veterans treated with PTSD financed by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans Affairs in 2024. year in collaboration with Dr.. Elvirom Koić, A psychiatrist with many years of experience working with Croatian veterans and experts who have been following us for years and helps us to help our members, A number of workshops were held with the aim of helping Croatian veterans, but also members of their families in carrying with many challenges of life with PTSD. Some of the topics of workshops were: Importance of intergenerational communication (Garešnica); There is no health without mental health (Mad dog); Stress as a challenge and new possibilities (Garešnica); About psychological functioning (Grubišno Polje). Given the interest and satisfaction of users, we look forward to continuing the cooperation in the next year.

The traditional pilgrimage to Medjugorje veterans treated with PTSD and their families were held from their families 08. do 10. November 2024. The. For all participants who do not provide their own transportation, the community has provided bus transport from Zagreb. Accommodation for participants was organized in Metkovic and was also funded by the community, and thanks to the financial resources provided through the program funded by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans Affairs. The pilgrimage participated 50 Participants from members of members from different parts of Croatia. By organizing this activity we help members who have a wish, But they have no possibility to visit the shrine independently.