Reservists saluted for outstanding service
A GROUP of reservists from Bristol have been awarded a coveted Lord-Lieutenant's commendation for services to their companies and communities at a special ceremony.
The awards, given annually by Bristol's Lord-Lieutenant, Mary Prior, honour the commitment many individuals make to the county's reserve and cadet forces.
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Bristol's outstanding reservists receive Lord-Lieutenant's awards for their contribution to their companies and communities from Bristol's Lord-Lieutenant, Mary Prior
Ms Prior presented nine of Bristol's most outstanding volunteers with the coveted HM Lord-Lieutenant's Commendation for Meritorious Service at a ceremony held at The Merchant Venturers' Hall in Clifton.
Among those to receive the award was Lieutenant Henry Watts, 30, a member of HMS Flying Fox, the Royal Navy Reserve unit in Bristol.
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Mr Watts, from Southmead, joined the unit in 2006, and has undertaken a demanding frontline mobilisation in Afghanistan.
He has taken a leading role in the unit recruitment, looking into new channels to engage with the youth of Bristol.
Another was Colour Serjeant Jason Barton, 44, who has served across reserve and regular units in a military career spanning more than 20 years.
Leading the Bristol detachment of 6th Battalion The Rifles – A Company, Mr Barton, from Stapleton provides strong and proactive leadership to the unit.
Major Chris Starbuck, cadet executive officer of the City and County of Bristol Cadet Force, has ensured that the unit goes from strength to strength.
Mr Starbuck, 51, from Keynsham, has a military career spanning more than 22 years that begun with the Royal Logistics Corps.
He performs a vital function for the cadet force, providing continuity during change within the unit and using his skills to ensure it runs smoothly.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Lynette Elliott, 56, a PE teacher from Portishead, joined the Combined Cadet Force in 2000.
She quickly rose through the ranks becoming a leading and valued member of the unit.
She is heavily involved in the with Naval Cadet Diving and has been instrumental in qualifying over 500 cadets in UK waters and abroad.
Commenting on the ceremony, Brigadier Tony Dalby-Welsh, chief executive of the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association, said: "Each recipient of the Lord-Lieutenant's awards is a credit to their unit and community.
"These incredible people should be very proud of their achievements, and are all very worthy of recognition for the good work they've done for the Reservist Forces.
"Without individuals such as these, it would be impossible to offer such a valuable service to young people in the region."
Other recipients of the award were Warrant Officer Two Richard Sharp, Warrant Officer Two Peter Jenkins, Corporal Richard Sanok and Sergeant Major Instructor Andrew Candler.
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