Press Releases
U.S. EMBASSY FUNDS THE RENOVATION OF SCHOOL
AND PLAYGROUNDS IN DEBELJAK
For Immediate Release
March 13, 2009
Zagreb, March 13, 2009 -- On Monday, March 16, U.S. Ambassador Robert Bradtke and Major General Frank Kisner, Commander, Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Europe will join Croatian government and local officials in a dedication ceremony marking the completion of a U.S.-financed humanitarian assistance project in the town of Debeljak. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16.
The United States European Command (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance (HA) office provided HRK 700,000 or approximately USD 130,000 to help renovate the primary school and playground in Debeljak. The project included the repair of flooring in four classrooms, renovations to the school playground, the kindergarten playground, as well as the installation of perimeter fencing and lights to for night league play at the community playground.
This humanitarian assistance project also services as a memorial for Croatian-born U.S. Army Master Sergeant Ivica Jerak who was a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces soldier assigned to the Joint Special Operations Command. Master Sergeant Jerak was killed in 2005 by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Husaybah, Iraq. Ivica Jerak was born and grew up in the village of Debeljak and his family still resides there.
This project represents the continuing commitment of the United States and EUCOM to assist the Republic of Croatia.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Anja Picelj-Kosak at the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Office, phone (01) 661-2284, cell 091-661-2284, or e-mail: picelja@state.gov
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