STV GROUP auctions Josef Rataj's original painting "VETERAN ON BASES" to support war veterans
The final proceeds from the auction, amounting to CZK 100,000, will be donated to the Military Solidarity Fund. The artwork and auction were created with the significant contribution of members of the 13th Artillery Regiment in Jince.
STV GROUP, the only manufacturer of large-calibre artillery and tank ammunition in the Czech Republic, supported the Military Solidarity Fund with a winning bid in a charity auction of Josef Rataj's painting "Veteran on Bases" held on the DobroBot platform. The final proceeds from the auction, amounting to CZK 100,000, will be donated to the Military Solidarity Fund. The artwork and auction were created with the significant contribution of members of the 13th Artillery Regiment in Jince.
The aim of the auction of this unique painting by leading Czech pop artist Josef Rataj was to provide targeted support, through the VFS, to war veterans and their families in difficult situations, through no fault of their own.
The work Veteran on Bases is highly symbolic. It was created in acrylic on canvas, and its style and composition are inspired by legendary baseball cards, with the painting paying tribute not only to sport but also to war veterans, combining a softball player, a soldier, and a universal symbol of war veterans – poppies.
Part of the broader project that the auction is part of was also the charity softball tournament "Veterans on Bases" held in November 2025 in Příbram, in which the 13th Artillery Regiment team also competed. This friendly, sporting, and community event created a platform for soldiers, veterans, and their family members to meet. Josef Rataj created not only the jerseys for the 13th Artillery Regiment's team of soldiers and veterans for this tournament, but also a painting that was auctioned off for charity. The tournament promoted the idea of solidarity through sport and teamwork. The STV GROUP's auction, therefore, complemented this sporting event and further emphasised the importance of combining sports, art, and charitable aid within the armed forces and their environment, including industry.
Pavel Kudrhalt, Chairman of the Board of Directors of STV GROUP, said of the auction of the painting in support of the Military Solidarity Fund: "STV GROUP's successful participation in the "Veteran on Bases" auction confirms the company's role not only as a key domestic manufacturer in the Czech defense industry, but also as a responsible partner not only to our armed forces. In 2025 alone, our company donated CZK 800,000 to the Military Solidarity Fund. At the same time, we also support many other charitable, association, and social events organised by the armed forces, emergency services, or municipalities and associations in the regions where we operate. We believe that this step will contribute to the start of another positive social wave that will support veterans, members of the Czech Armed Forces, and emergency services, and preserve the legacy of those who serve and have served our country.
For more information, see the attached press release, which is available for download below.
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