WORKING around the clock to keep Britain safe can sometimes be a thankless task.

But the men and women of RAF Brize Norton got the credit they deserved at Brize’s Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service (BRAVOS).

The awards ceremony, which took place at the Officers’ Mess at the base, recognised servicemen and women from Brize who have made a difference on the station and within the wider community.

Ten BRAVOS were awarded, with eight nominated by the public and two chosen by commanding officers at the base. The ceremony was presented by Brize station commander Group Captain Simon Edwards and voice artist Peter Dickson, the announcer on ITV’s The X Factor.

Former Arsenal and England footballer Martin Keown and Carterton mayor Lynn Little were among the VIP guests who handed out the awards, held on October 24.

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Mrs Little said: “I believe I have a great connection with the BRAVOS as many of the award-winners have helped me, as mayor, within the community.

“Carterton as a town and I, as the mayor, have a great affinity with RAF Brize Norton and I believe that friendship grows every day.

“I’m very proud to be here and to be able to support what these outstanding individuals do.”

Among the awards was the Ambassador for Brize award, which was handed to 448 servicemen and women who ran the equivalent of one marathon a day for 17 consecutive days in memory of members of the armed forces killed in Afghanistan.

The Support to the Armed Forces award was given to Kylie Gorman in recognition of her 20 years as manager of the RAF Brize Norton pre-school and her dedication to children and families on the base.

Air Vice Marshal Sean Reynolds said: “We recognise people through campaign medals, state awards and commemorations, but this is really special because this is recognition from the station and that probably matters most.

“We have lots of special people, I think the BRAVOS are brilliant and we can’t say well done and thank you enough.”

Mr Keown said: “It was an honour to share some time with and enjoy the company of so many brave servicemen and women.

“It’s so important these people are made to feel special because they do an incredible job.

“With Brize Norton being so close to where I’m from it was great to be there and share in their awards service and we all know the importance of the work done at the base.”

“It was a great evening and I was made to feel especially welcome by the team.

All the winners in the BRAVOS Roll of Honour

Oxford Mail:

  • The top team receiving their award on the night
  • Ambassador for Brize: A total of 448 servicemen and women who ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 17 days.
  • Brize’s Unsung Hero: James Boulton for providing expertise to Brize Norton’s operations.
  • Outstanding Achievement in Sports: Senior Aircraftwoman Lauren Tracey for setting up the RAF Brize Norton Ladies’ Rugby Team.
  • Outstanding Individual: Corporal Terry Court for his pivotal role in the effectiveness of the UK’s Nuclear Emergency Response Team as training and standards manager.
  • Outstanding Personal Development: Staff Sergeant Paul Barnes who is studying towards a Master of Arts in Military History at Birmingham University.
  • Safety Award: Sergeant Neil Staley for his anti-drink-driving campaign.
  • Support to the Armed Forces: Kylie Gorman in recognition of her 20 years as manager of the RAF Brize Norton pre-school and dedication to the children and families of the base.
  • Top Team: Community Support Team for their work delivering support to the families of service personnel from RAF Brize Norton who are deployed abroad.
  • Triumph Through Adversity: Steve Thurgood in honour of his courage, determination and perseverance after being diagnosed and treated for cancer of the mouth.
  • Valiant Volunteer: Sergeant Dave Jackson for his support to Flight Sergeant Linda Holley during her fight against cancer.

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