MINDEF THANKS ITS VOLUNTEERS

While it is another day of training for the able-bodied men and women of the Singapore Armed Force (SAF), helping to protect the country requires everyone to contribute.

For one evening each year, one such group, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Volunteers, are honoured for their commitment and contributions to MINDEF and the SAF during a dinner hosted by the Minister for Defence.

"You provide the vital link between the wider Singaporean community and the SAF, helping the Government build public acceptance and support for Singapore's national service," Mr Teo Chee Hean told the 170 volunteers, who serve on 26 MINDEF boards and committees, in a speech he delivered at the dinner.

Mr Teo also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 41 of the volunteers.

Professor Low Cheng Hock, who is Director, Clinical Training and Associate Dean of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, volunteers as surgeon consultant to the SAF Medical Corps.

Besides giving advice on medical matters, he also conducts lectures and goes on overseas missions, including the recent Operation Flying Eagle to Indonesia after the earthquake and tsunami.

Prof Low has been a MINDEF Volunteer since 1973, and he has seen the SAF change over the years.

"The people-oriented welfare has changed a lot. Care and concern for soldiers is much more emphasised today than in the past. Things are more systematic, there's more welfare," he said.

Being a volunteer for so long takes a special kind of commitment and willingness. Prof Low attributes it to the influence of other volunteers.

"I think volunteerism is a culture. From the very beginning of the medical services in the SAF, there have been many volunteers, and I was inspired by many of these pioneer volunteers," he said.

Recognising the important roles played by the MINDEF Volunteers, Mr Teo thanked them in his dinner speech for their willingness to sacrifice personal time and to contribute their expertise towards the development and well-being of our society and country.

But to the volunteers, being able to play a part is more gratitude than they could ask for.

"I find volunteering in the SAF a very rewarding experience," said Prof Low.

"I'm learning something that I can bring back with me. It's stimulating, challenging and interesting, and it's one way of paying back and giving back to the SAF for what they've done for us volunteers," he added.