BANGOR RESERVIST HONOURED AT HILLSBOROUGH

Staff Sergeant Vince Buchan a reservist serving with 591 Field Squadron has been honoured at a formal ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.

In his Award Citation Staff Sergeant Vince Buchan is acclaimed for his busy and varied role as Staff Sergeant – Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant within 591 Independent Field Squadron Royal Engineers in Bangor.

Staff Sergeant Buchan was the first in post within 591 Squadron after extensive reorganisation and necessarily found himself ‘at the sharp end’ of change, dealing with all the complications of a new unit being formed and an old unit leaving.  His professionalism and easy manner minimised any problems and ensured that those leaving felt just as valued as those in the new unit being established. 

His Award Citation says, “Staff Sergeant Buchan is an individual who will not stop until he has helped all those that have asked for his assistance and he continually assists local Cadets in gaining equipment and items required to complete training.” His colleagues in Bangor Army Reserve Centre often joke about his capacity to get swiftly on the scent of any potentially useful equipment about to be discarded by any Army Reserve unit across Northern Ireland and he is well known for jumping in his little white van to ‘rescue’ items, finding new uses for previously unwanted items!

Last year Staff Sergeant Buchan also championed a charity collection to gain funds to pay for travel expenses for a Cadet who had a chance to go with the under 19 GB Full Bore Team to South Africa.

Most recently, Staff Sergeant Buchan demonstrated his commitment and superb ability within his role as Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant managing the movement of the Squadron’s resources and equipment from Northern Ireland to Central America in order for the Squadron to complete Exercise MAYAN STAR 18 in Belize. 

The Citation concludes, “From day one in post Staff Sergeant Buchan’s dedication, drive, resourcefulness and determination for providing the best service possible for 591 Squadron have proved the building blocks for our well-maintained Army Reserve Centre and for soldiers well equipped for training. His standards and enthusiasm to provide continue today.  Staff Sergeant Buchan, through his devotion to provide for all, is a worthy recipient of the Lord Lieutenants’ Certificate.