An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 life and as an organisation in our external engagement. "Having regard for this being the 60th Anniversary of Óglaigh na hÉireann's first foray into the international arena on behalf of the State on UN service – service that has the distinction of being un- broken since our first deployment to the Middle East in 1958 – our values have served us well in enabling our capacity to demonstrate our ability to be a force for good. Our values, and more importantly their enactment, will be a critical component as a hedge in our interactions and engagement with the wicked problems the global community faces in increasingly dynamic and complex theatres. "…Our purpose here today is to acknowledge individual examples of values enactment by the award recipients, Pte Jenny O'Connor, Coy Sgt Matt Masterson, Sgt Major Noel O'Callaghan, Sgt Leona Walsh, L/Sea Ryan Carroll, Sgt Richard Muldarry and Sgt Stephen McColgan (RIP), who have all provided tangible demonstration of the enactment of our values for the illustration, emulation and encouragement of all our personnel." The chief of staff then introduced Jadotville veteran Capt Noel Carey (retd) who, he said, "…through the eloquence of his recollec- tions…demonstrates that our values can be, and are, a compass by which we can be guided, not just in routine circumstances but also in the most challenging environments". In his address, Capt Carey said: "Many have heard of the exploits of A Coy, 35th Inf Bn, at Jadotville in 1961 …We went there to serve for people who were less well off than us – that's a value of the Defence Forces." Speaking about Jadotville and the overwhelming odds they faced, he said: "Comdt Pat Quinlan was brilliant for ordering us to dig in with interlocking arcs of fire. This decision is the reason I am standing here today…The Defence Forces' values are so important in a military sphere; like courage under fire. All soldiers train to be un- der fire, but when it happens for real the realisation is stark; it's not like in the movies or on a PlayStation – it's fear! Afraid for yourself and your troops, but overcoming that fear is courage." Capt Carey went on to say, "It gives me great pleasure to see our troops at home and overseas doing fantastic work, and how they are acknowledged in the media as doing so." He finished by recognising how ingrained these values become, telling his audience: "Your Defence Forces values will be stamped on you forever." Defence Forces Value Awards W I N N E R S Value: Physical Courage winner: a/sea ryan Carroll, shore ops, nsds During the rescue of 705 migrants on Operation Pontus on 16 June 2017, A/Sea Carroll volunteered as SAR operator; a danger- ous, frontline role. He put the interests of the mission and his unit first over an extended period; injecting calm into repeatedly volatile situations and handling every individual with profession- alism and aplomb. His courageous, selfless and professional input enabled LÉ Eithne to save all those in need of rescue on the day. Of his award, he said: "I was shocked to hear I'd won the award; I felt any one of the crew that day would equally deserve it. That said, it's a proud day for my family and myself and it's meant a lot, particularly as I was nominated by my colleagues." His father, Paddy, added: "What Ryan has achieved and experi- enced in his young life due to service with the navy is a great source of pride to me and his mam. The Naval Service is very good to him and I would recommend any young person to join up." Value: Loyalty winner: sgt stephen mcColgan (rip), 1 Cn Cois Sgt McColgan demonstrated tremendous loyalty to his unit and comrades, gladly spending hours of his free time to ensure his students would receive the best possible instruction. Despite considerable achievements he retained admirable modesty. He also displayed remarkable dignity and courage during his illness and was inspirational to all. Described as a consummate soldier to the last, Stephen won numerous brigade and all-army titles in shooting, sniping and mortars as well as representing the DF as competitor and coach in various international competitions in the UK, Canada, Denmark and the US. He sadly passed away last year. Commenting on receiving the award on behalf of her late hus- band, Niamh McColgan said: "Stephen was such a modest man he might not have enjoyed the limelight today, but for me, and the rest of the family, we are so proud to accept the award on his behalf."

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