BRENTWOOD, Essex, 25 August 2009 – A Ford Bridgend employee who served in Iraq as a naval reservist has been honoured by military superiors for his exemplary contribution.
Paul Rabone's compassion and professionalism were praised by commanders after the Royal Naval Reserves petty officer's secondments to the Middle East.
The 51-year-old team leader of the South Wales engine facility's plant services department has been a reservist for 19 years, based at HMS Cambria, Barry.
Paul's father was in the Navy and Paul followed his footsteps through the reserves. He joined the communications section, subsequently transferring to the medical branch, and he is now an instructor at HMS Cambria.
During two secondments to Iraq in the last 18 months, Paul worked alongside regular medical staff to help repatriate casualties. In this role he found considerable personal satisfaction helping the injured and their relatives and his skills impressed commanders throughout the ranks including those working on repatriation in the UK.
Paul's work has been recognised with a commendation from his commanding officer in south-east Iraq. Major General Andy Salmon wrote: "His contribution to maintaining operational effectiveness has been immeasurable."
Paul, who has worked for Ford for 30 years and lives in Bridgend, said: "I joined the Royal Naval Reserves to see what I had been missing, and I have not been disappointed. It was a wonderful opportunity to help and gave me opportunities I would never have in civilian life."
Graham Edwards, Ford Bridgend plant manager, said: "Paul's commitment, and that of his part-time military colleagues, deserves the highest praise and support from us all. It's heartening to see their hard work in such incredibly difficult situations being rewarded."