President presents Athlone private with Defence Forces Values Champion Award
Private Damien Greene from Athlone was presented with the overall Defence Forces Values Champion Award for 2020 by President Michael D. Higgins on Tuesday.
As Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, President Higgins, on Tuesday welcomed a small group to Aras an Uachtarán where he presented serving members with Defence Forces Values Awards.
Private Greene is based in Custume Barracks, Athlone
His testimonial read:
"Damien is in the Defence Forces since 1997. In 2010 after an ongoing struggle with alcoholism, he admitted himself into a treatment centre. This has led to Damien staying sober in recovery to this day and he actively supports others in addiction by visiting and supporting them through difficult times. Since his time in recovery he has undertaken a suicide awareness course and served overseas. He is a very valued member of the orderly room staff in 2 Field Engineer Company. In December 2016 he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment for almost two years. He demonstrated all of the Defence Forces values in returning to work and during his recovery he completed a healthcare course. He is a great support to members of his unit and consistently offers help and support to those around him."
Speaking at the awards ceremony, President Higgins said:” It goes, perhaps, without saying that Óglaigh na hÉireann make a profoundly important and positive contribution to the lives of people across the globe, constantly displaying the bravery and professionalism which makes us so deeply proud of our Defence Forces.
"It therefore takes a remarkable person to stand out as an exceptional member of an Organisation so deeply rooted in a spirit of active participation and human solidarity. I am delighted that one of our first gatherings, following Covid restrictions, here in Áras an Uachtaráin is one in which we pay tribute to seven such people, whose actions have exemplified the qualities of moral courage, respect, integrity, physical courage, selflessness and loyalty which guide and define the work of the Irish Defence Forces.
"It gives me the greatest pleasure thus to commend and thank Comdt. Liam Halpin, Able Mechanic Kieran Moynihan, Company Quarter Master Sergeant Pat Jordan, Sergeant Leona Houlihan, Able Seaman Eoghan Keegan, Chief Petty Officer John Fenton and Private Damien Greene for those brave and generous actions which have made them such deserving recipients of today’s awards.”
The Defence Forces Values Awards ceremony was inaugurated in 2017 to recognise Óglaigh na hÉireann’ personnel demonstration of ‘living’ its values. The establishment of these awards, in addition to recognising individual acts of living the values, acts as an example to all personnel and in so doing enables greater invigoration of Defence Forces personnel.
The Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hÉireann, has faithfully maintained a strong volunteer ethos and a set of core values since the foundation of the State. The six values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity contribute directly to preserving this position and delivering operational effectiveness. They are fundamental to sustaining Óglaigh na hÉireann as a steadfast pillar of the Irish State and are what Ireland reasonably expects from its Defence Forces.
The manifestation of these six values is demonstrated ably by the personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann in their everyday professionalism and dedication to service to the State. In exhibiting ‘living values’ by their application in all operations and activities, Óglaigh na hÉireann personnel ‘Strengthen the Nation’ by inspiring pride amongst the people it serves.