A young member of the Doubtless Bay St John Youth Division and his even younger brother were the proud recipients of very special medals on Tuesday evening, thanks to their Australian Aunty Jo.
Nine-year-old Toby Lakin and his 4-year-old brother Charlie, who is patiently waiting until he turns 6 sohe can become a Penguin, were presented with the Australian Defence Force medal that recognises the support children give to parents who are serving with the Australian forces on operational deployments.
Toby and Charlie, who received the awards from district youth manager Ingrid McLennan, qualified courtesy of their Aunty Jo, who has served with the Australian Navy in East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands. Currently stationed in Darwin, she was able to observe the presentation ceremony via Skype.
Toby and Charlie, their mum Sallie said, were the closest Jo had to children of her own, and had certainly shown the support and 'perseverance on the home front' that was required for the award.
The medal features an anchor for the Navy, crossed rifles for the Army, an F18 for the RAAF, a check across the top for the Australian Federal Police and laurels for remembrance.
Jo's contribution to the citation described Toby and Charlie as her "amazing nephews", who had been very supportive during her countless deployments.
"During my time away in far away countries these boys have sent me parcels, emails, video clips and photos that remind me how lucky I am to have two little nephews that support me and what I do," she said.
