RECOGNISING SAF SERVICEMEN DEPLOYED FOR OVERSEAS MISSIONS

In our increasingly interconnected world, events occurring in another part of the globe could affect regional peace and stability. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore continues to play a part in multinational peace support missions overseas.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said this in a speech at the Overseas Service Medal (OSM) presentation ceremony held at the Joint Staff Officers' Mess (JSOM) on 10 Nov.

In recognition of the valuable work done by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen in overseas deployments, Mr Teo commended them for doing Singapore and the SAF proud by successfully completing their missions with the "highest standards of professionalism and commitment".

Twenty-seven of these 59 personnel also received the Bar (Enhanced) for taking part in the same overseas mission more than once, or who have served 180 days or more in the same operation.

Among the medal recipients were 10 members of the Construction Engineering Team (CET), who had recently returned from an overseas stint in central Afghanistan on 31 Oct.

Their efforts in managing and supervising the construction of a Regional Health Training Centre (RHTC) were lauded by Mr Teo as having made a long-term contribution to the lives of the local Afghan community in Bamiyan Province.

This two-storey facility not only provides training for 80 to 100 healthcare workers every month, but also facilitates the conduct of public education programmes to improve healthcare standards in the area.

In addition to helping the Bamiyan Health Ministry develop the capacity to better provide for the needs of its people, the CET delivered educational materials, dental packs and food to various parts of the local population.

Despite having to be away from his family for about six months, CET leader Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) James Tan found the experience to be an extremely meaningful one.

"When we saw the appreciation from the Afghanistan leadership and people, it gave us a sense of satisfaction that we've done something helpful to meet their needs," shared the 37-year-old commander.

"Nothing beats the feeling of seeing the looks on their faces; it's something that will remain with us for a long time."

"We were a small team, but the value we contributed was much greater than our size," he added.

Other servicemen who were awarded the OSM included members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's latest KC-135 detachment to the Gulf, as well as officers who took part in the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, and the United Nations Mission in Nepal.