253 (NI) MEDICAL REGIMENT RESERVIST HONOURED AT HILLSBOROUGH

In his Award Citation Staff Sergeant David Walker is commended for his longstanding record of service, latterly with 253 (North Irish) Medical Regiment as a Combat Medical Technician in which capacity he deployed to Afghanistan with Op HERRICK 17 for a gruelling 3-month tour.  

In 2011 Staff Sergeant Walker began an Additional Duties Commitment as the lead recruiter for 108 Medical Squadron, before taking on the role of Regimental Sub Unit Support Officer in March 2015.  From the outset he established himself as an integral part of the recruiting team and quickly developed into the lead recruiter for non-clinical personnel, becoming the public face of the Army Reserve Medical Services in Northern Ireland, raising awareness, attracting applicants and providing them with dedicated support throughout the recruiting process.  

Praising Staff Sergeant Walker’s unfailing commitment, the Citation says, “Not only does he plan, execute and deliver professional outreach activities in support of the unit recruiting goals, he has also commanded many large-scale recruiting events on behalf of 38 (Irish) Brigade and the many other units within the province.  He has been responsible for a steady inflow of new recruits into 108 Medical Squadron which has increased year on year even when many other units have struggled; his endearing character and great sense of pride in the roles that he promotes make him a persuasive and convincing ambassador.   More recently, when the Army Reserve needed an increase in numbers, Staff Sergeant Walker accepted the challenge and has been responsible for an average of 15 of the 25 new entrants the unit has acquired each year during his last 7 years in this recruiting role.

“He has developed a breadth of knowledge in the recruiting environment and has established excellent relationships within the local community which have elevated the profile of the military and proved extremely productive.” 
   
The Citation also makes particular mention of a recent incident which illustrates Staff Sergeant Walker’s capacity to remain calm under pressure. Whilst setting up a recruiting event in Ballymoney in April of last year Staff Sergeant Walker was faced with a medical emergency.  An elderly man had collapsed in the street and was in cardiac arrest.  Immediately stepping in to help an off-duty cardiac nurse who also happened to be in the area, Staff Sergeant Walker provided expired air resuscitation in support of cardiopulmonary resuscitation until the Ambulance Service arrived.   The Citation praises his presence of mind and readiness to get involved, providing excellent First Aid skills in what was an alarming situation.