THANK YOU, MEN AND WIFE

For Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Chua Eng Wah, receiving the Commendation Medal (Military) would have been impossible, if not for his national servicemen (NSmen) and his family.

"To give instructions and orders, that's not difficult," said LTC (NS) Chua. "But to get their co-operation and achieve results, this cannot be my own effort."

LTC (NS) Chua paid tribute to the 424th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (424 SAR) for their commitment.

He recalled an incident. Some of his men were excused from a recent training evaluation in Australia. One of them was the battalion medical officer whose wife had just given birth. However, five days later, the good doctor volunteered to fly down to Australia to join them in the training.

"If you get an NSman like that, you get motivated," said LTC (NS) Chua.

Indeed, LTC (NS) Chua can be justifiably proud of his NS battalion, whose NSmen are undergoing their tenth year of in-camp training (ICT). The unit scored above average in its training evaluation.

The battalion also achieved a high standard of Individual Physical Proficiency Test passes.

There is another person that LTC (NS) Chua is grateful to his loving wife.

LTC (NS) Chua did not shy away from showing his gratitude for his wife s contributions, adding that "there are sacrifices that have to be made in terms of balancing work with family life and I appreciate what my wife has done."

Whenever LTC (NS) Chua goes for ICT, his wife has to handle all the family matters alone.

"It has not been easy, but I try to make sure I don't burden him too much as he has enough responsibilities on his shoulders," said Mrs Chua.

"I feel happy for him that all his efforts and sacrifices of time and training have been recognised," she added.