By IAIN HYNDMAN iain.hyndman@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
KEVIN Torrey is called to active duty in the lead-up to Anzac Day each year and his medal count is high.
The retired territorial force and air force medic is one of a dying breed of service medal mounters and his busiest time is now, mounting medals for returned servicemen preparing to remember their comrades next Wednesday.
And the task is not as easy, or straightforward as non-combat people may think.
"Each medal has its pecking order when displayed and that can alter depending on country of origin. Some don't know that and wear their medals in any old order," Mr Torrey said.
"There used to be quite a few of us medal mounters around, but we seem to be a dying breed these days."
Mr Torrey started mounting medals as a hobby in 1979 and through word-of-mouth his talents have been sought from near and far.
"I've even been approached to mount medals for the Australian Air Force commander ? the way word gets round is incredible. The lead-up to Anzac Day is always a busy time. Last year I had seven days to mount 30 sets of medals. I didn't finish until midnight on the eve of Anzac Day and then I was up in the early hours pinning them on returned servicemen."
"This year it's similar, although people seem to be getting a bit more organised."
Mr Torrey said it was important to have medals mounted properly to preserve not only their longevity, but also their tradition.
And he does not confine his talents to just defence force medals.
"I am often asked to mount police, fire and prison service medals and I keep a record of every set I do. I'm getting to be quite knowledgeable about all types of service medals and it keeps me busy," he said.
And his cleaning tip for medals: "I put a lacquer on the medals, so you don't use any cleaning agents. You simply wipe them with a soft cloth," Mr Torrey said.
A man for all medals
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