Armed Forces honoured at Sun Military Awards
16 Dec 09
The excellence of Her Majesty's Armed Forces and the civilians that support them was recognised last night at the second Sun Military Awards.
Able Seaman Kate Nesbitt MC, winner of the 'Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine' category, with television presenter Jeremy Clarkson
[Picture: The Sun]
Their Royal Highnesses Princes William and Harry were guests of honour at the event, organised by The Sun newspaper in close association with the Ministry of Defence, and held at the Imperial War Museum, London, on Tuesday 15 December 2009.
Their Royal Highnesses were joined by military chiefs, senior government and political figures, and stars from the worlds of entertainment and sport to pay tribute to these unique individuals.
In ten categories, the awards, affectionately known as 'The Millies', recognised the bravery and professionalism of Service and civilian personnel working in today's Armed Forces in various roles around the world. The event also celebrated members of the public who have provided exceptional and unstinting support to the military.
In addition to the main categories there were two judges' awards for special recognition. One award was presented to the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group for their continual professionalism on operations in exceptionally difficult conditions.
'True Grit Home' award winner, Acting Chief Petty Officer David Rigg (right), with boxing champion David Haye and soap actress Kym Marsh
[Picture: The Sun]
The judges also paid tribute to the courage of all family members who have been bereaved this year by recognising the Afghan Heroes charity. Also known as 'The Band of Mothers', the charity was set up by the mothers of eight servicemen who died in Afghanistan this summer during Operation PANCHAI PALANG (PANTHER'S CLAW).
Speaking about the awards, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:
"This year has been another year of extraordinary achievement by our servicemen and servicewomen. Whatever the task and whatever the challenge, they do their duty; and they do it for us - the people of this great nation.
"The Sun Military Awards enable the nation to say thank you to our brave men and women and to their families for their dedication, courage and sacrifice. It means a huge amount to them to know that the nation is behind them."
The ceremony, including unique footage of shortlisted individuals and teams on operations, plus reconstructions of the acts of heroism that were nominated, will be televised on Monday 21 December at 2100hrs on ITV1.
Members of the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, winners of one of the Judges' Awards for Special Recognition, with British actor Ray Winstone
[Picture: The Sun]
SUN MILITARY AWARDS 2009 WINNERS:
1. Overcoming Adversity
Marine Ben McBean, 40 Commando Royal Marines, Plymouth, Devon
2. Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine
Able Seaman Medical Assistant Kate Nesbitt MC, attached to 1st Battalion The Rifles, Plymouth, Devon
3. Most Outstanding Soldier
Corporal Mark Powis MC, 1st Battalion The Rifles, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
4. Most Outstanding Airman
Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley, RAF Odiham, from Edinburgh
5. Best Reservist
Able Seaman Edmund Grandison, HMS Forward, Royal Naval Reserve, from Tyseley, Birmingham
6. Support to the Armed Forces
The town of Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
7. Life Saver Award
Corporal Carl Thomas, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, Liverpool
8. True Grit Home
Acting Chief Petty Officer David Rigg, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall
9. True Grit Overseas
Sergeant Andrew McNulty, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment,
Catterick, North Yorkshire
10. Best Unit
2nd Battalion The Rifles, Ballykinler, Northern Ireland
11. Judges' Award for Special Recognition
Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
Afghan Heroes
See Related Links >>> for the citations of the above award winners.