BALI HONOURS
Seven personnel among award recipients

Gallery of grief: After a memorial service in Bali on the first anniversary of the terrorist attack, Squadron Leader Sally Scott, who was an aeromedical nurse during Operation Bali Assist, views photographs of the 202 people killed in the bombings. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder

Squadron Leader Paul Bastin.

Squadron Leader Steve Cook.

Flight Lieutenant Stephen Crimston.

Leading Aircraftwoman Fiona Scholes.

Warrant Officer Julie-Anne Willes.

Squadron Leader Gregory Wilson.

Wing Commander Robert Wood.

By LACW Simone Liebelt

MARKING the first anniversary of the Bali bombings, seven Air Force personnel have been honoured with conspicuous service decorations for their role in Operation Bali Assist.

The Government announced the Bali Honours List on October 17, recognising the brave and outstanding efforts of 199 members of the public, the Government and the military involved in the response to the tragedy. Fifteen ADF personnel received honours.

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross were Wing Commander Robert Wood from No. 78 Wing, Squadron Leader Steve Cook from No. 3 Combat Support Hospital and Squadron Leader Greg Wilson from No. 2 Air Transportable Health Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Stephen Crimston from No. 3 Combat Support Hospital was awarded the Nursing Service Cross, and Squadron Leader Paul Bastin from Headquarters Australian Theatre, Warrant Officer Julie-Anne Willes from the Australian Embassy Jakarta and Leading Aircraftwoman Fiona Scholes from No. 3 Combat Support Hospital were awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal.

Although honoured to be chosen out of a long list of worthy members, all seven Air Force Bali honours recipients have nothing but praise and admiration for the other ADF members involved in Operation Bali Assist. They accepted the awards on behalf of those members whose tireless dedication and efforts went unrewarded, but not unrecognised.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS

Squadron Leader Steven Cook

Attending the Bali anniversary memorial service in Kuta was an emotional but enriching experience for aeromedical doctor Squadron Leader Steven Cook, as he was able to meet some of the patients he helped treat 12 months earlier. Commended for his inspirational leadership and dedication to the care of his patients during Op Bali Assist, SQNLDR Cook described the award as a reflection of the countless efforts of all those who were involved.

“I’m honoured to accept this award but think it’s important to remember and recognise the contributions of everyone who took part in the mission. They all worked just as hard as me and their role was just as important,” he said.

Squadron Leader Gregory Wilson

Currently deployed as part of Operation Catalyst, Squadron Leader Gregory Wilson reflected on his experiences as one of the first aeromedical doctors into Bali in a twilight memorial service in the MEAO. Recognised for professional excellence as the principal aeromedical evacuation coordinator during Op Bali Assist, SQNLDR Wilson said it was only through the dedicated efforts of everyone involved that the operation was such a success.

“I am very proud to work with such a great team of people who are willing to drop everything and help other people in times of need,” he said. “In accepting the award, I would like to thank everyone who formed part of that team effort.”

Wing Commander Robert Wood

As Commander of the ADF Supplementation Staff Team located at the Australian Consulate in Bali, Wing Commander Robert Wood coordinated all aspects of Defence assistance to civil authorities during Op Bali Assist and has been praised for his loyalty, commitment and leadership. Although he would never forget witnessing the anguish of the relatives in the aftermath of the bombings, he was proud of the tireless efforts of his team to help ease their suffering.

“I accept the award on behalf of the whole team who did a fantastic job in easing the pain of the relatives by speeding up the process of identification. They all deserve recognition,” he said.

NURSING SERVICE CROSS

Flight Lieutenant Stephen Crimston

Responsible for retrieving intensive care patients from Sanglah Hospital in Bali, Flight Lieutenant Stephen Crimston’s forethought, expertise and devotion to duty as a nursing officer has been labelled an inspiration.

While proud to play a part in such a large combined effort, FLTLT Crimston said he didn’t see the honour as a reward for his efforts, but rather a symbol of the skill and commitment displayed by so many people from around Australia. “To be chosen out of a selection of people of such high calibre is very humbling, and despite the horrible circumstances, I’m very appreciative,” he said.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL

Squadron Leader Paul Bastin

Squadron Leader Paul Bastin may have been working behind a desk in Sydney during Op Bali Assist, but his role in coordinating the ADF’s immediate response contributed directly to the success of the mission. Commended for his significant skill and unwavering commitment, SQNLDR Bastin said it was only after the operation started to wind down that he had time to reflect on the impact of the bombings.

“While my role is to provide support to operations, the very nature of Op Bali Assist, and the emotion that resulted, sets it apart from the other operations in which I have been involved. I feel very honoured to have my contribution recognised by being awarded a CSM.”

Warrant Officer Julie-Anne Willes

As Assistant to the Air Force Attaché in Jakarta, Warrant Officer Julie-Anne Willes was not only responsible for obtaining diplomatic clearances for all military aircraft entering Indonesia as part of Op Bali Assist, but also provided linguistic and liaison support to the Disaster Victim Identification team at the Sanglah hospital morgue. She has been praised for her professionalism and proficiency in supporting the Australian and Indonesian authorities.

WOFF Willes said she learnt a lot about herself during the operation, but she was a little embarrassed by the award.
“So many other members performed above their normal duties under a great deal of stress so I hope my award is a reflection of all those ADF personnel, no matter how small their role was.”

Leading Aircraftwoman Fiona Scholes

As a member of the first aeromedical team into Bali, Leading Aircraftwoman Fiona Scholes was confronted with a harrowing task, but one she has been commended for because of her great presence of mind and professionalism.

Attending a special Bali anniversary memorial service in Canberra on October 16, which she described as “very emotional”, LACW Scholes said she was surprised to be chosen out of so many worthy members involved in Op Bali Assist.

“I’m very honoured to have been selected but there are so many people who did such outstanding work who have gone unrecognised. This award is a thank you to all of those people.”

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