NATO Medal Presentation

On 4 October 2008, in recognition of their service in Afghanistan, the Commander of the supporting ISAF Brigade, Colonel S. Spellmon, presented New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team personnel with the NATO Medal for Non article 5 International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Operations in Afghanistan.

The medal was established for campaigns or operations conducted as peace support or crisis response upon the authorisation of North Atlantic Council and is one of the few medals presented to New Zealand Defence Force personnel while in theatre.

Colonel Spellmon also took the opportunity to present selected personnel with his personal coin for their distinguished service during their deployment.

The Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force 101, Major General J. Scholesser presented his personal coin to selected personnel at a similar ceremony earlier in the week.

Both General Scholesser and Colonel Spellmon thanked NZPRT personnel for their sacrifice and their ongoing commitment to the restoration of governance and security to the people of Afghanistan.

Ends

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