THREE long-serving Army reservists from Grimsby were among a number to be awarded medals at a special ceremony.
Sergeant Andrew Burch, Corporal Jacqueline North and Lance Corporal Albert Bratton, who all serve with 250 Medical Squadron (Volunteers), 3 Medical Regiment, were awarded the prestigious Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM) in recognition of their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Reserve Forces.
Awarded for more than ten years' distinguished service in the Reserve Forces, the VRSM was presented to the three reservists by Councillor Mike Burton, the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, in a ceremony held at Westward Ho Barracks, Grimsby. Six reservists were also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at the ceremony – a medal created to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee for members of the armed forces who have served for more than five years.
Sgt Burch said: " It is enormously rewarding for us to have been presented this medal, and it goes a long way to recognising the commitment we have made over the years.
"It also shows the commitment and sacrifice by our families and employers – whether that's every week when we need to attend training, or for six months when we leave them to serve on operations.
"I feel this medal is a recognition for them as much as for me."
Major Ruth Pollendine said: "I am delighted that we can recognise all these loyal and committed soldiers and others like them who manage their work and family lives as well as devoting time to the Army Reserves.
"Reservists play a vital role to operations all over the world, and in turn also gain from the training they're given which benefits them personally – both in life and work.
"We are always looking to welcome like-minded people to join us, so if you would like to know more about becoming a reservist please contact us for more information."
The VRSM, a silver medal with an image of the monarch on the front and the words For Service In The Volunteer Reserves on the back, was introduced to replace the separate medals awarded to officers and other ranks in each of the services.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is made of nickel silver and has been designed by Timothy Noad.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a reservist, can contact 01482 560 800.
