NATIONAL SERVICEMEN LAUDED FOR COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE

National Service (NS) key appointment holders (KAH), reservists on voluntary extended reserve scheme (ROVERS) and volunteers were recognised for their commitment and contribution to national defence at an appreciation dinner on 27 Nov.

One of these was Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Loh Yue Thong. He said: "When a country is doing well, everybody benefits. It's a small contribution on my men's part and mine, but they see the whole picture: how they can contribute to national defence."

A lecturer in Temasek Polytechnic, LTC (NS) Loh feels that his NS experiences has provided him with invaluable lessons that can only enrich his relationship with his students.

"I tell [my students] about national defence, why we need a strong SAF. Leadership is not about shouting; it s about relationships today. In the polytechnic you communicate with your students; in NS you communicate with your men."

Master Sergeant (MSG) (VOL) Dasuki bin Kiemien has also derived life-changing lessons from a fruitful NS experience.

A support supervisor in his NS unit and recipient of the NSman of the Year 2005 award, the 43-year-old is thankful for the friendships that NS has fostered in his life, and attributes his award to his men s dedication.

"I appreciate my men and their hard work during training locally and overseas. They deserve it more than me actually."

Speaking at the appreciation dinner at SAFRA Mount Faber, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong expressed his gratitude to the KAHs, ROVERS and volunteers for their "strong commitment to the SAF and our nation's defence".

He said: "You have been outstanding role models for our younger servicemen and your exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment and strong professionalism have set the standard and become a benchmark for the next generation of NS leaders to emulate and achieve."