Our medical marvels
Second Balad detachment is awarded Meritorious Unit Citation

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

JOINT PRIDE: Members of the second rotation of the Australian Medical Detachment – Balad, LACW Shoana Johnson from No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron (right) with LCPL Vashti Henderson and CAPT Ben Mackie at the presentation of the Meritorious Unit Citation in Melbourne. Photo by CPL Belinda Mepham

GOOD MEDICINE: Reservist medical officer SQNLDR Stuart Miller on duty in the Coalition military hospital in Balad, Iraq. Photo by MAJ Patricia Anderson

By Hugh McKenzie

TEN Air Force members from the second rotation of the Australian Medical Detachment deployed to Balad, Iraq, have been presented with a Meritorious Unit Citation.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd made the presentation at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on November 15.

The detachment, which deployed to Iraq from May to September 2005, comprised 45 regular and specialist Reserve medical personnel from Air Force and Army.

The citation reads in part, “… The Australian Medical Detachment has made a significant contribution to Coalition health services during times of mass casualties, intense and traumatic periods. Outstanding devotion to duty, confidence and humanitarian spirit characterised by the attitude of the Australian Medical personnel has significantly enhanced the reputation of the Australian Defence Force and the medical fraternity ...”

Presenting the award, CAF acknowledged the hard work of all the men and women who deployed in medical roles in support of Operation Catalyst.

“Our medical personnel are very highly regarded amongst our international colleagues, who were most impressed by the professionalism and dedication they displayed in support of Operation Catalyst,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

“Their invaluable work as part of Coalition medical facilities in Balad, often in very challenging circumstances, is something of which we should all be very proud.”

During their deployment, the detachment was involved in the treatment of over 5000 patients.

Addressing the gathering in Melbourne, LTCOL Dave Collins, Training Command Army, said he had served with the detachment for just over seven months.

“I would like to thank those I served with, those who were on the other side of the news stories and television screens,” he said.

“None of us in our heart of hearts can call our experience a happy one. There were many difficult days, but they were not always dark. What I saw within the members of the detachment was a quiet courage and determination. An attitude to do the best and to do what was right. Daily, my people were asked to do their best and more, and daily, that’s exactly what they did,” he said.

“To the members of the second rotation, I count my experience of serving alongside you as one of the greatest privileges of my life. You are truly that special few.”


Air Force recipients:

• GPCAPT Colin Merridew – No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron
• SQNLDR Stuart Miller – No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron
• SQNLDR Bruce Paix – No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron
• FLTLT Carla Zampatti – No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron
• FLTLT Collette Richards – No. 2 Air Transportable Health Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown
• FLTLT Andrew Macwilliams – No. 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron
• FLTLT Lynette Howell – 321 Health Services Flight, RAAF Base Darwin
• FLTLT Kellie Ann Billett – No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron
• FLGOFF Kobi Germen – 322 Health Services Flight, RAAF Base Tindal
• LACW Shoana Johnson – No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron
  

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