An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 23 SELFLESSNESS – 'MISSION AND TEAM FIRST, ME SECOND' The award for selflessness was presented to Cpl Thomas Carew (3 Inf Bn) who was nominated for his actions in saving the life of a motorcyclist who was thrown into an estuary at high tide after a collision. Assistant Commissioner AJ Nolan of An Garda Síochána commended Thomas for his actions, as did the area operations manager for the HSE who said: "The bravery you demonstrated was outstanding and your actions were fearless. You are a credit to the Defence Forces and, on behalf of the Ambulance Service, I thank you for your act of kindness and selflessness." It is fitting that on the morning of the day that Thomas risked his own life to save the life of a stranger he had attended a briefing on the ethos and values of the Defence Forces. Thomas joined the Defence Forces in 2012 and completed his recruit and three-star training in Collins Bks, Cork, before being stationed in Stephens Bks, Kilkenny. Some of the highlights of his military career to date include winning Parson's Cup hurling medals with 3 Inf Bn and serving overseas with 53 Inf Gp, UNIFIL. He recently completed a diploma in Military Medical Care, having studied in University College Dublin between 2018 and 2019, qualifying him as a combat medical technician, and is looking forward to transferring to the Central Medical Unit and serving over- seas in the future as a medic. PHYSICAL COURAGE – 'PERSEVERE THROUGH DANGER AND HARDSHIP' The award for displaying physical courage was given to Cpl David McCormack (1 Cn Cois), who was nominated by many of his unit comrades. Shortly after returning from serving with UNDOF on the Golan Heights, David was the victim of an assault that left him with life-threatening injuries. He subsequently spent 10 months undergoing medical treatment and recovering in the National Rehab Centre. In the face of severe physical and psychological challenges, David demonstrated the highest levels of bravery in overcoming his injuries to return to operational effective- ness in just over 12 months after the assault. During that time he had to face high-risk surgical procedures, setbacks, therapy, and the ever-present fear that he would not overcome his disabilities. David's colleagues nominated him for this well-deserved award for the incredible physical courage he displayed on his very difficult journey back to full health. David joined the army in December 2007 and has completed two tours of duty over- seas, to Chad and Syria, and recently completed a Physical Training Instructors course. David's grandfather, Michael McCormack (RIP) served in the Congo and was involved in the Siege of Jadotville in 1961. Two years ago David had the honour of collecting the Jadotville medal on his grandfather's behalf. Career highlights include achieving promotion to corporal at 23 years of age and his two tours overseas. MORAL COURAGE – 'DO THE RIGHT THING, NOT THE EASY THING' The award for moral courage was received by Cpl Cathriona Lacey (6 Inf Bn) who was nominated by the members of her unit in Athlone. During a chief of staff's address to personnel in the barracks, the role of the Personal Support Service (PSS) came under question. Displaying great moral courage, Cathriona spoke up in defence of the service by sharing with those present a deeply personal and hugely painful story about the journey she had gone through following the loss of her brother, Thomas (who was also a member of the DF), to suicide in September 2014, and how the support of the PSS has helped her and her family through an extremely difficult time. Cath- riona passionately explained how having issues is nothing to be ashamed of and if you seek help you can take back control of your life. Through sharing her story, Cathriona helped relieve the pressure on oth- ers and acted as a positive role model for removing the stigma attached to mental health. While it was extremely difficult to speak about such deeply personal matters in front of others Cathriona stood proud and 'did the right thing, not the easy thing'. Cathriona enlisted in 1998 and was the only female in her recruit platoon. She has served overseas on three occasions, in Lebanon and Liberia. Cathriona's most treasured memory of her 21 years service is travelling with the 6 Inf Bn pipe band to Kosovo where her brother Thomas was serv- ing at the time, getting to spend time with him there, and returning with great memories and photographs to cherish.

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