SERVICEMEN HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTING TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Perhaps the greatest occupational hazard of a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman would be leaving his family back home, while he goes on a long overseas deployment.

Paradoxically, it is also the fond memories of their families back home, which spur many to do their best and return home safely.

And while they are serving overseas, their comrades make decent substitutes.

"We were like each other s brothers and sisters, even Mums and Dads!" quipped First Sergeant (1SG) Kunal Ghanisham.

The Naval Engineering Specialist from RSS Persistence recalled helping to counsel fellow sailors who were faced with family issues, such as relationship problems.

"We are here for operations, we will accomplish our mission, and then we will go back and settle things" was what 1SG Kunal used to tell his lovesick colleagues.

Their mission protecting the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in the Northern Arabian Gulf was a success.

For their efforts, the men and women of RSS Persistence received the SAF Overseas Service Medal (OSM) and Bar (Enhanced) in a ceremony on 11 Mar.

RSS Persistence also received the Unit Citation for its outstanding performance during the deployment.

The SAF also recognised the efforts of its personnel who had served in Afghanistan where a five-man engineering team had helped to improve the living conditions of rural villagers.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen presented the medals to 225 servicemen and women who had served in overseas missions in the Northern Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan.

"As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore supports the efforts of the United Nations in facilitating international peace and security," said Mr Teo.

"Given our limited resources, we participate within our means and where we are able to make a useful and meaningful contribution."

Captain (CPT) Benjamin Heok (left), Second-in-Command (2IC) of the engineering detachment to Afghanistan, found "the purpose" of his mission in the eyes of the children he helped.

"The kids, they just swarm around you and are very happy to see you," he recalled.

To illustrate his point, CPT Heok whipped out his PDA mobile phone. The wallpaper of his phone featured two children, wearing desert camouflage army helmets, and grinning broadly.

Although CPT Heok did not understand their language, he felt that the children appreciated the coalition's efforts to rebuild their village.

"The most satisfying thing is seeing the smiles on their faces!"