THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY AM MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
022/2010
Air Force members honoured by Netherlands Government
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly, today attended a
special ceremony during which the Netherlands Government honoured Royal
Australian Air Force Health Services personnel for their work in Afghanistan.
13 Air Force members received the Netherlands Peace-keeping Operations
Commemorative Medal during the ceremony in Canberra. The members were
recognised for their provision of Combat Health Support for the NATO-led
International Security Assistance Force, alongside their Dutch counterparts,
during their deployment to Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan in 2008.
Major General Simon Van Groningen, Commandant of the Netherlands
Defence Academy, presented the medals, which acknowledged the invaluable
contribution by the Air Force team under difficult and dangerous
circumstances.
The team, comprised specialist medical personnel including orthopaedic and
general surgeons, nurses and intensive care medical assistants, provided
crucial health support to coalition forces and local Afghans treated at the ISAF
medical facility in Tarin Kowt.
“This was a very demanding deployment. The RAAF health personnel showed
great dedication and professionalism in treating severe injuries”, Dr Kelly said.
“Their contribution to the mission in Afghanistan was outstanding. The medical
staff worked around the clock alongside Dutch and other coalition military
health professionals. They not only saved lives but their contribution will have
a lasting positive effect in the local community.”
Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the international
campaign against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and
maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations. Australian forces
contribute to the NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in
Afghanistan, which seeks to bring security, stability and prosperity to
Afghanistan and aims at preventing the country from becoming a safe haven
for international terrorists.
Media contacts:
Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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