News
HRH presents Afghanistan campaign medals to soldiers from 3 Army Air Corps
12th June 2008
The Prince of Wales presented campaign medals to soldiers returning from Afghanistan today and described them as “an immense credit” to the country.
His Royal Highness arrived at Wattisham military airbase to meet soldiers and their families at a reception and to present medals to 3 Army Air Corps. The Prince is Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corp.
The event marked the end of the Regiment’s 12-month long tour of Afghanistan.
In a speech to soldiers and their families, The Prince spoke of the "worrying" times he endured as his son Prince Harry fought in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry returned from a 10-week period of service in Afghanistan earlier this year.
At the presentation ceremony The Prince told the gathered soldiers and their loved ones that he understood what they had been through.
"I can speak with a little more understanding of this after my youngest son spent some time out in Afghanistan," he said.
"I think some of you may have been out there when he was out there. Some of you may have been controlled by him when you were flying around in Apaches. I have heard some interesting stories from people who have been controlled by him. I hope he did the right thing. I am sure he did.
"I know as a parent just what it's like being left behind, worrying what is happening to your son or daughter, so I do understand something of what families are putting up with, day-in, day-out."
The Prince described the returning soldiers as an "immense credit to this country".
"I also understand that you've had to endure varying kinds of weather conditions - boiling heat, freezing cold, day in, day out," he said.
"We are incredibly lucky that there are so many people like you, at a very young age frequently, who are prepared to do this.
"I often wonder how many people in this country realise just what it can take to be out there for six months."
He added: "You are an immense credit to this country, you really are."
Staff Sergeant Russell Fox was among the 176 servicemen and women to be given campaign awards at today's ceremony.
The 33-year-old, of Hadleigh, Suffolk, was presented with a medal by The Prince in recognition of his 15 years in the army.
He was accompanied by his wife and three children, including his 10-week-old son, Toby, who was dressed in a military-style baby grow.
He said: "It was nice to meet The Prince. He can relate to our story with his son having been out there."
Mr Fox, who returned from a tour in Afghanistan in November 2006, said while the recent loss of colleagues was "not nice" there was no opportunity to dwell on the deaths.
"You don't have time to mourn," he said.
"You have to get on and get the job done. Unfortunately, the guys out there can't mourn and, if they are, they are not concentrating on their job.
"I did drive past the garrison the other day and it's not nice seeing the flowers but you can't think about it."
In a private ceremony The Prince presented a Queens Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS) to Capt Adam Hare and four Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (LSGC) to SSgt Cullen, SSgt Fox, Cpl Cox and Cpl Costello.