By Corporal Joseph Lewis
Headquarters, Jamaica Defence Force (Civil Military Affairs)

It was an elegant affair at the Garrison Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, Up Park Camp on Friday 25 March 2011 as over ninety retirees were honoured for being past members of the Garrison Mess.

These persons qualified for the award after having served in the Jamaica Defence Force over the period 01 May 2006 to 31 December 2010. However, of the ninety persons, only forty-nine accepted the invitation to the event.

The members were awarded in two different categories; persons who served under thirty-three years and persons that served over thirty-three years.

There was also a special award to Ex Warrant Officer Class One, Patrick Morris for being a past Force Sergeant Major. "I was privileged to have served in this noble institution and the knowledge that I have garnered here will help me in my career path" he said.

The Guest Speaker for the function was Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson. In his address, Major General Anderson thanked all the Ex-members for their service in the JDF and advised them to come back in the future and share their knowledge with serving members.

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