TERRITORIAL SOLDIERS PRESENTED MEDALS AT UGBROOKE PARK DEVON

ARMY LONG SERVICE MEDAL FOR EXETER RESERVIST

A Territorial Army soldier from Exeter has been awarded a second bar to his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM) after completing 20 years of service with The Royal Wessex Yeomanry's Barnstaple-based D (Royal Devon Yeomanry) Squadron.

WO2 Mat Burch was presented with the medal by the Royal Devon Yeomanry's Honorary Colonel, Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, during ceremonies at Ugbrooke Park.

The 42-year old is currently serving as the Squadron's Sergeant Major although his varied TA career has included service in France, Germany and the United States.

In civilian life, he works for the Ministry of Defence in video production at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone, a role that has taken him to Kosovo in the past and will soon bring a further posting to Iraq.

AFGHANISTAN MEDAL

Two young members of the Squadron received the Afghanistan Operational Service Medal, Trooper Tom Williamson, a 20 year old former student at Westlands School and Technology College, Torquay recently returned from a seven month stint attached to the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS), who were frequently in front-line action against the Taliban.

He experienced enemy fire for the first time very early in his deployment.

And he will never forget the moment when a Taliban-occupied compound no more than 100 metres away was destroyed by the direct hit of a bomb.

"You see these sorts of incidents in films on television and think nothing of it. Then the real thing happens - an amazing experience. We were in a similar compound protected by thick concrete walls, yet the shock of the explosion went right through our building".

Tom, who lives in Torquay, joined the TA while still studying in the sixth form at Westlands.

"I worked in a bar for a while but wanted something a little more exciting and challenging in my life - so I volunteered to go to Afghanistan! Overall, however, it was a great thing to do. In general, I have gained so much from the TA in terms of confidence and experience."

Tom serves with the Paignton Detachment of D Squadron, which has its headquarters in Barnstaple. He plans to set up his own business as a fitness instructor.

Private Joanne Page, a 23 year old office administrator from Burrington, North Devon. She achieved one of her great ambitions when she was sent to Afghanistan earlier this year to work as a clerk attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

"The one reason I joined the TA in October 2006 was that I wanted to experience operational service - to serve Queen and country, if you like", explained Joanne, who works for Troy (UK) Ltd.

"At one time, I thought about joining the Regulars but because I enjoyed my civilian job so much, service as a Reservist proved to be the perfect alternative.

I am fortunate that my employers have been very supportive. When my post-tour leave is completed, I will be going back to my old job."

Joanne, a former pupil of Chulmleigh School, experienced very mixed emotions during her time in Afghanistan. 2 PARA provided the main battle group in action against the Taliban and some of her friends were among the casualties but there were also lighter moments.

"I had my birthday out there and the canteen baked me a surprise cake, which was really nice, I also appreciated so much the cards and regular messages from friends and colleagues in the TA - my second 'family' back home".

Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, Honorary Colonel of D (Royal Devon Yeomanry) Squadron, presented the medals.

He said "Many in this country do not appreciate how much we rely on people like you to give up their time in order to help maintain standards of defence and peace throughout the world - often in places where exceptional risk is involved".

OTHER PAIGNTON-BASED SOLDIERS HONOURED

Lance Corporal Justin Stockton, aged 24, of Brixham, received the Iraq Operational Service Medal. He lives in Brixham and works as a refuse collector for Torbay Council.

Sergeant Nick Brooks, aged 51, of Newton Abbot, was awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM) after completing 10 years with the TA. He works for the University of Plymouth's building maintenance department.

WELL-EARNED LONG SERVICE MEDAL

Staff Sergeant Darren Fallowfield, aged 41, of Braunton having recently joined the TA after 22 years service with the Royal Dragoon Guards was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for 22 years service in the Regular Army.