An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir January / February 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 20 | O n 13th November 2023 at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Ms Justice Síofra O Leary presented Defence Forces members with Values Awards in the company of Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Award winners and their families and colleagues. This is the 6th iteration of the Awards, whose recipients are Defence Forces personnel who have best displayed Selflessness, Loyalty, Integrity, Moral Courage, Physical Courage and Respect. Nominated by their peers, these personnel were chosen as those who best exemplify the values and standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy extends his gratitude to the families of the award winners and speaks about the Defence Forces Values. 'It gives me great pleasure to be here today to host this year's Defence Forces Values Award ceremony. I particularly wish to extend our gratitude to your families, whose sacrifices and support enable us to serve and perform our tasks to the highest possible standards. The legacy, standards and traditions of the proud men and women that have preceded us should not be forgotten. The culture they established and developed was and remains one which is underpinned by our values. Our values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity are the constants that underpin our values-based leadership. The Defence Forces values are our key strength. As serving members we must continue to build upon the legacy of our forebears, while demonstrating our core values, which are the foundation on which our organisation is built and guide our behaviour in both our personal and professional lives.' INTEGRITY Private Sean Martin & Private Neil Martin (Donegal) "To recognise the integrity shown by both of you through your actions in your family,community and Unit in the aftermath of the tragic passing of your Mam Martina, at Creeslough. Nominated by Sgt Liam Russell, you are both credited with showing many of our values consistently since your Mother's death and amid the depths of this grief you honoured your mother at her funeral with dignity, respect and composure. The integrity shown by you both since you returned to work in Finner Camp has not gone un- noticed and you continue to show outstanding courage and dedication to service. On a daily basis you have demonstrated professionalism and commitment when conducting your duties, exercises and training for the Defence Forces." PHYSICAL COURAGE Special Operations Task Unit 6 Army Ranger Wing "Nominated for their meritorious actions and conduct during their deployment to MINUSMA. In late June 2021, SOTU 6 responded to an urgent request for support from ISR Coy TAC HQ who had encountered a Suicide Vehicle-Borne IED leaving many MINUSMA colleagues injured. On arrival SOTU 6 provided lifesaving medical assistance in the field and led the CASEVAC by requesting and guiding in five heli- MEDEVACS and acted as stretcher bearers. Once MEDAVACS were completed SOTU 6 continued to provide support to the mission by providing vital intel and acting as a mobile QRF for the move back to Camp Castor. Letter of appreciation from Major Bochow, ISR Coy Comd stated: "With your effort and capabilities you saved lives in TARKINT. With your medical experts you supported the medical care of our wounded comrades in an outstanding way." RESPECT Corporal Lorraine Byrne (Kildare) "Cpl Byrne is credited with exemplifying the Value of Respect in her approach to her work in Records and Data Management, DFTC HQ. She is widely known and respected throughout the Formations as the "GURU" on DFRs and Admin Instructions. This has not come about only through 33 years of service and knowledge gained, but by Lorraine's desire to assist, motivate and guide her comrades. Her role in R & D Mgt office is the engine and Lorraine its driver who assists the wider DF audience in all matters regarding admin and HR practices. Such is her respect for her profession that on many occasions she has forfeited personal time and annual leave to ensure the smooth administration in induction of cadets, apprentices and recruits. Such is her respect to her comrades that the knowledge that she imparts on a daily basis to those around her and indeed to those who contact her means she is a constant team player dedicated to her peers, subordinates and superiors." MORAL COURAGE Lt Kenneth Godden (student) & Lt Eoin Blake (instructor) For your joint actions on 26th February 2021 when your PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, MS JUSTICE SÍOFRA O'LEARY PRESENTS DEFENCE FORCES MEMBERS WITH VALUES AWARDS Pte Sean Martin, who was jointly awarded the Values award for Integrity Pte Neil Martin, who was jointly awarded the Values award for Integrity Cpl Lorraine Byrne was awarded the Values award for Respect

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