Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
07.01.2026.

Minister Gašić hosts Christmas lunch for SAF member’s family of seven



Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić hosted a Christmas lunch today at the Ministry of Defence for a member of the Serbian Armed Forces, Junior Sergeant Jovan Raičević, and his family of seven.
Minister Gašić wished the Raičević family a merry Christmas, emphasizing that the love of neighbour and gathering for Christmas lunch fills every person with joy and a spirit of community.

- It is a great honour for me to host a lunch today for a big family that deserves admiration and respect. What makes me even more excited is the fact that it is a family of a member of the Serbian Armed Forces who is equally successful as a father and as a soldier, which is testified both by this wonderful family and his outstanding service. Christmas reminds us of the most solemn values that bind families together and strengthen our belief in man and homeland. Family is the foundation of our society and the strength of the Serbian Armed Forces, and the care of every service member and their loved ones remains an ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces – Minister Gašić emphasized and extended special Christmas greetings to members of the Armed Forces who are on duty during the holiday season, protecting the safety of all citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
Junior Sergeant Raičević is a member of the Second Army Brigade. He is currently attending the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, after which he will be admitted to professional military service as non-commissioned officer.

During lunch, Minister Gašić congratulated Junior Sergeant Raičević on his commitment and dedication, emphasizing the importance of the amendments to the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces, which will improve the position of professional soldiers by enabling them to secure permanent employment and pursue professional career in the armed forces until retirement.
Junior Sergeant Jovan Raičević and his wife Milica have five children – the oldest daughter, Dunja, son Đorđe, daughter Anđela, and twins, Vasilije and Darija.
 
Colonel Nikola Matović, Head of the Office of the Minister of Defence, Gordana Đukić, Head of the Department for Hospitality Services, and Major Predrag Dokić, Chief Military Chaplain, also attended the Christmas lunch.
 
 
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07.01.2026
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Christmas lunch
 
MOD
Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia, Bircaninova 5 street, Belgrade
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