An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 21 cal exercise up in the Arctic Circle, which was a great experience. We outperformed the other nations in the snow and ice. We had the backbone of communications back to Dublin while operating with in the Nordic Battle group. Our equipment stood up to -40 tempera- tures and our procedures and uniforms held up along with our training and our expertise got us through the 14 day exercise." 2011 Coy Sgt Murray deployed to ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan. "I was the senior watch-keeper in the Situation Awareness Room (SAR), where all the incident traffic was received. My task as the senior OR-9 was to support the Operations Colonel to make sure all data traffic reports were checked and compiled with a storyboard before they were displayed on the Digital Notice board in the Situation Awareness Room (SAR) for Com ISAF, Four Star General John Allen. This posting was a very busy one and you learned to adapt and perform swiftly in a NATO ran world." In 2014 the now RSM Murray deployed to Kosovo for the second time. "As the Site Manager I was responsible for all the services in a camp that housed over 900 soldiers and civilians. This was a busy job, very seasonal, keeping all services going while trying to improve life for all. During this mission I was privileged to be nominated for the NATO Meritorious medal, and on my return DoD informed me the award was granted and that Dept. of Foreign Affairs approved the medal. I was presented the medal by GOC of the DFTC." In 2017 RSM Murray served with 55 Inf Gp in UNDOF. "This was a great trip to finish my overseas service with. It gave me a snapshot of the young soldier of today; to spend six months with the future leaders was a great privilege. When we work, eat and play together you see the full person and it gave me great hope for the future to see such attitude, skillsets, confidence and pride. I know we have the right people and with that the rest will come right." Speaking about the DF Value awards that he was named as the overall champion, "To be nominated for the values award was a big surprise, you do your job to the best of your ability, knowing the people you work with and allowing them to blossom within the CIS working environment. The CIS Corps operates as a team and we need everyone on the pitch and we all have a part to play in getting the result. You don't have to be the best player on the pitch, but you do have to always give your best. It is indeed a great honour to be the holder of the DF Value Awards Champion 2018. I feel it is for the people I represent both CIS Corp and DFTC. I am a product of my environment. I live by the rule 'lead and they will follow'." RSM Murray is one of two remaining members of his recruit platoon still in service, the other is BQMS Andrew Behan, who is retiring later this year and RSM Murray will be last man out when he retires in January 2020. Speaking about his future RSM Murray said, "I am not too con- cerned with jumping into another 9 to 5 job. I have a couple of projects to complete at home before I look at an- other career. I have joined IUNVA and I'm looking for- ward at getting involved with them as they do great work for our com- rades and their families that may need help. My wife Mary and daughter Elaine have been on this journey with me through thick and thin. They always have given their blessings and have sup- ported me always, so this reward is for the three of us, and for our service to the Defence Forces." A/Sgt Murray in Somalia with No 2 Tpt Gp in 1994. Sgt Murray with former COS Lt Gen Dermot Early (RIP) visiting the first EU Nordic Battlegroup in Sweden, in 2007. Coy Sgt Murray deployed to ISAF, Afghanistan in 2011. RSM Murray serving in Kosovo for the second time in 2014.

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