An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 14 | Value: Integrity winner: Coy sgt matt masterson, 2 bTC Coy Sgt Masterson received multiple nominations across a range of values from all ranks and multiple units. He is renowned for giving his honest assessment, whatever the situation. Typical of comments heard about him include: "Most honest man I ever came across in the Defence Forces"; "Never afraid to challenge the consensus, regardless of rank"; "Will always put the needs of the student first"; "Shows students tolerance and understanding." On receiving his award he said: "I had no idea I was nominated, so to receive the award is a massive surprise and I am hugely hon- oured to receive it." Value: Moral Courage winner: sgt richard muldarry, 6 inf bn For the greater good Sgt Muldarry set himself on a platform that many others would have shirked, when he became a key driver and enabler in the establishment of the DF LGBTA 'Defend with Pride' network, where he demonstrated a willingness to fearlessly take the lead for an initiative that has demonstrated the DF's commitment to diversity. In championing the cause of minorities he has enhanced the DF's credentials as an inclusive organisation. Commenting on his award he said: "I'm so proud to have won this award, particularly for my work on a cause that I'm so pas- sionate about. I must say my moral courage was enabled by the progressiveness of the Defence Forces leadership." Value: Selflessness winner: pte Jennifer o'Connor, J7 dFhQ Pte O'Connor was another who received multiple nominations for a range of values. She consistently places the needs of oth- ers and the DF before her own. Described as honest, sincere and reliable, her selflessness was epitomised during a time of great personal difficulty. When her mother passed away and her father was diagnosed with cancer, Jenny took two of her seven siblings (her younger brother and sister) into her nuclear family, ensuring they completed their leaving certs while remaining an exemplary mother, wife, and, above all, soldier. She takes more satisfaction from others' achievements than her own and in adversity has remained loyal to her family, friends and col- leagues. Commenting on her award she said: "I'm so proud to have won this award and also very humbled. I work with the finest people in the Defence Forces and have made life- long friends." Value: Respect winner: sgt leona walsh, 1 ops wing, aC In the course of her duties Sgt Walsh demonstrates a high level of respect for everyone she deals with in her role with the air ambulance service, and has received a letter of appreciation from a former Taoiseach. On air ambulance duties her empathy and respect come to the fore, helping to make patients' and their families' journey more comfortable and dignified. In an article in the Medical Independent about the air ambu- lance service, Dr A O'Connor wrote: "They showed professionalism, kindness and humanity, and I am extremely proud that they bear our flag on their uniforms. Their sole concern at all times was the safe transfer of our patient, regardless of inconvenience to them- selves; this is an attitude all too unfamiliar among many of us employed in the delivery of health services." On receiving the award Sgt Walsh said: "I am very humbled to receive a nomination and indeed to win the award. Having my family here today with me is a very proud moment." Overall DF Values Champion rsm noel o'Callaghan, 2 ar RSM O'Callaghan has consistently demonstrated the values of the DF throughout his long career. He has shown commitment to his unit at all times and was a key element in ensuring its cohesive- ness following reorg. He has never shirked responsibility and has been an essential enabler across all aspects of DF life, from his early involvement in BPSSO activity through to his outreach to bereaved families and extensive work on behalf of charities and his community. He has consistently sought to portray his unit in the best possible light, in word and deed and is the archetypal sergeant major. He can be depended upon to bear the load and responsibility, regardless of the challenge, with the moral courage to set out any concerns he may have but thereafter, regardless of the decision, loyally implement the commander's direction with- out hesitation. On receiving his award, he said: "I am gen- uinely surprised but extremely honoured to receive this award, and I am delighted to be here today with the other award winners."

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