THE CARMEN’S SWORD OF HONOUR
Lieutenant LISA VICTORIA FRANKLIN RLC ...a graduate of the 2008 Troop Commanders’ Course, assigned to 31 Close Support Sqn, 3 Logistic Support Regt, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as Transport Company Mentor, developing Afghan National Army logistics for 2 Mercian Bg Operational Mentoring & Liaison Team, the first to employ women in a Muslim environment. As Convoy Commander, she led Afghan Combat Logistic Patrols, under sustained attack, gaining Afghan soldiers’ respect, reducing cultural barriers. As Transport Company Mentor, she remedied 12 months’ neglect of MT stores, then generated successful Brigade fleet maintenance, identifying every vehicle’s location and condition, uniquely since the Army’s 2006 inception - a courageous and exemplary leader.
THE CARMEN’S ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS CUP
awarded to the
CARMEN’S SOLDIER OF THE YEAR 2010
Private SCOTT NORMAN ...who joined 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC in 2008, demonstrating exceptional aptitude for defence skills, deployed to Afghanistan with 206 Pioneer Squadron, having trained in the operation of the Vallon mine detector. In 2009 he faced an unforgiving environment, daily dismounting from his Mastiff to sweep for IEDs – a monumental task for a soldier with only nine months’ service. Given 13 IED strikes, his thoroughness in locating countless other devices was vital for the safety of his comrades, demanding great courage day in, day out, unerring concentration and dedication. He saved lives, enhanced morale, and set the bench mark for junior soldiers.
THE CARMEN’S ROYAL AIR FORCE CUP
Flight Lieutenant JONATHAN SMITH RAF ...top graduate of his Officer’s Movements Course, now 2 i/c 45 Mobility Air Movements Sqn 1 Air Mobility Wing, who first worked as RAF Liaison Officer at Hanover Airport, handling trooping aircraft for Iraq and Afghanistan, leading to his selection as Mobile Movements Team Flight Commander, deployed to Kuwait, where he activated a strategic and tactical airfield to handle equipment, communications, feeding , transport and accommodation for 9,000 personnel in two months, before deploying to Basrah, Kandahar and Bastion. A rising star, his capability and leadership on his first movements tour has led to his executive appointment ahead of more senior peers.
THE CARMEN’S MOVEMENTS TRADE TRAINEE AWARD
Senior Aircraftman RICHARD GEAR ...an exceptional movements trainee, with 95% results across 21 exams, initially employed with Cargo Imports, who volunteered to work extensive hours during heavy 2009 snowfalls, taking additional responsibility and enabling the continuing Afghan airbridge, helping with high profile freight normally beyond his rank. Trusted implicitly by superiors, he volunteered in his own time to assist No 1 Air Mobility Wing in support of Exercise Medman. Now in the Traffic Section, he is an exceptional example to newly arrived airmen, his humour and work ethic enhancing his tenacity, drive and commitment, an airman with a bright future.
THE CARMEN’S 2 MECHANICAL TRANSPORT SQUADRON AWARD 2010
Corporal PHILIP COUSSENS ...Head Driver for the specialised Heavy Lift Trailer and Rough Terrain Container Handler, Acting Sergeant in March 2009, responsible for three junior NCOs and 15 senior aircraftmen, increased to six NCOs and 30 SACs, then appointment as Operational Driver Flight Liaison Officer to the Squadron Operations Flight, tasking 150 personnel. After liaising with 85 Expeditionary Logistics Wing HQ at RAF Lossiemouth for Exercise Crown Condor, he was senior NCO for the Squadron detachment’s five-man operations cell, tasking 50 personnel and 25 vehicles. His organisation, planning and communications were exceptional, his performance attracting universal praise, as an exemplary role model.
THE CARMEN’S 24 SQUADRON POLLITZER CUP
Sergeant JAYNE SMITH ...Squadron Adjutant, for her outstanding work in providing essential administrative and welfare support. Responsible for supporting all Squadron members, from welfare, pay and allowances to postings, reports and personnel issues, her work is largely unseen and often unsung. It is crucial in assuring the Squadron’s operations, specifically so during years of continuous high-tempo duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jayne Smith has brought stability, continuity, enthusiasm and a sure professional touch, advice above and below her rank and, for all personnel and their families, wherever they are, the confidence that they are always in safe hands.
THE CARMEN'S ROYAL NAVY CUP
Lieutenant STEPHEN MARSH RN ...who has commanded the Navy’s Forward Logistic Site cadre since its 2007 creation, deployable worldwide to provide support from ashore to RN and multi-national task groups – a key logistic enabler and national asset. At the nexus of the support chain, often in austere conditions, he liaises with UK authorities, host nation agencies, ships’ agents and embassies, moving mission-critical or life-saving stores and personnel in need at short notice.He established the multi-national Djibouti counter-piracy site, and the UK Taurus Amphibious TG sites deploying to the Far East. His leadership at an unusual level of autonomy for his rank has been skilful, tactful, compassionate and inspirational.
THE CARMEN'S ROYAL NAVY MEDAL
Warrant Officer P.D.ENGLISH RN ...the mainstay of the 2009 watch-keeping team in the UK’s Joint Force Support HQ in Afghanistan for 6 months commanding over 2,300 tri-service logisticians, managed a complex supply chain, feeding, accommodating and administering the force, monitoring national and coalition operations and events, including attacks on convoys and bases, unrest and disruption at border crossings and along routes, and direct security threats. He dealt with Permanent Joint HQ in UK, British Task Force HQ in Helmand and multi-national Regional Command at Kandahar, ensuring 24/7 coverage, playing a key role in support of UK forces in theatre - a joint logistician of high calibre.