|
Dundee Army medics receive their Afghanistan campaign medals
source: army.mod.uk
Brigadier David Allfrey, CO 51 (Scottish) Brigade, presenting Afghanistan Campaign Medals to Major Steve Reed, Major Catherine Livinstone, and Lance Corporal Chris Griffin.
Three medics, newly returned from tending the sick and wounded in Afghanistan, were presented with Afghanistan Campaign Medals for their service yesterday, 11 Feb 2010, at their Oliver Barracks headquarters in Dundee.
The three were joined by another four members of 225 (Scottish) General Medical Regiment (Volunteers) who were receiving long service medals (Volunteer Reserve Service Medals) from Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade, Brigadier David Allfrey.
Major Steve Reed
Major Steve Reed, who is now back at his surgery in Aberdeen where he is the local GP, was based in a forward operating base, in the heart of Helmand Province. From there he was responsible for all the casualties that occurred in his area and ensuring that they were sent on for further medical assistance.
Maj Reed also trained soldiers in first aid, enabling them to help injured colleagues and Afghan villagers. Major Reed says that perhaps the most rewarding part of his time was working with the local Afghan population, helping them rebuild their lives.
Major Catherine Livingstone
Maj Catherine Livingstone swapped Borders General Hospital General Hospital in Melrose for the operating theatre in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province where she was the lead clinician and member of the trauma team. Working under enormous pressure in life or death circumstances, she was the lead for the care of the most injured casualties.
Additionally Major Livingstone worked with the families of sick civilians being treated in Camp Bastion. They were often children and the families needed a lot of support as there is a lack of proper medical facilities in the country as a whole.
Lance Corporal Chris Griffin
LCpl Chris Griffin found himself on the other end of 225's service when he was evacuated home early from his job, supplying the forward operation bases with health supplies and welfare packages. Now fully recovered, he can testify personally how well the ill and injured are looked after by the regiment.
Long service award recipients
The regiment also took the opportunity to thank four of its long time servicemen and women with Volunteer Reserve Service Medals: WO2 Brian Longworth; Staff Sergeant Robert Ronald; Sergeant Mark Lamb; Lance Corporal Fiona Saddler all based at 153 Medical Squadron based in Dundee.
Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Partington, Commanding Officer of 225, who has just returned from Afghanistan, said: "We should all be proud of our TA personnel who continue to play a vital role in supporting regular forces both at home and on operations.
"I am honoured that we are able to use this opportunity to recognise their loyalty, dedication and selfless commitment both on current operations and throughout their TA careers.
"It is essential that we recognise the dedication and the immense utility that all TA personnel possess to fulfil their role in supporting regular forces both at home and on operations.
“I am honoured that this occasion recognises their TA careers both operationally and for their long and loyal service.
"
|
