LONDON, Dec. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Military personnel from across the three services have been recognised for their dedication andexceptionalservice in the New Years Honours List, published today.
The many achievements includeprovidinglife-savinghumanitarian support toCaribbeanislands struck by a powerful hurricane, the firsteverfemaleintelligence officer to reach the rank ofGeneral Officer,andadult volunteerswho havechanged the lives of thousands of cadets for well over 40 years.
All recipients have goneabove and beyondwhile on duty, displaying outstanding fortitude and dedication to their roles, with many recipients recognised for their exceptional contribution to the Armed Forces over long-established careers.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
Congratulations to everyone in our Armed Forces honoured today on yourthoroughly deserved recognition. Whether serving in the most demandingenvironments overseas, in specialist roles that rarely make the headlines butkeep us safe 24/7, or in the essential work that keeps our military ready, yourcourage and excellence represent thevery bestof the UK.
These honours reflect your remarkable individual achievements and thecollective strength of our Armed Forces. Thank you for your service, we aredeeply proud of you.
Listed below are examples of some of theservicemenand women who have been listed in this year's New Years Honours List.
SubLieutenantAshta McMillian, awarded an MBE
WhenSLtMcMillianwascaughtin the middle of a Category 5hurricanewhilst on holiday in St Vincent and the Grenadinesin 2024, heimmediatelystepped up tocoordinate vital humanitarian action. Killing eight people and causing £170mworthof damage, Hurricane Berylwas one of the strongest storms in theCaribbeanthat year.Using hisoperationallogisticsknowledge and Royal Navy experience, McMillan worked with the island's government and international relief agencies to deliver urgent support, saving countless lives.His swift leadership ensured aid reached communities when they needed it most.
Sub Lieutenant Ashta McMilliansaid:
Receiving this award was an unexpected and deeply humbling honour.
In the Royal Navywe'retrained to step forward in times of need without looking for recognition, and supporting my fellow Vincentians in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl was simply the right thing to do.
Being able to help my country at such a critical moment, and to raise awareness of what people were facing back home, meant a great deal to me.
Warrant Officer Angela Cheal, awarded an MBE
Improving the lives of over 1,000 sailors and Royal Marines, WO Cheal has received an MBE for her tireless efforts over the past eight yearsleading the Recovery Programme withinDevonport Personnel Support Group and Recovery Headquarters.Chealhassecuredthe fundingneededto deliver recovery courses independently, including uses adaptive sport and wellbeing activities to support physical rehabilitation, mental wellbeing and a renewed sense of value and purpose among Service personnel. What started as a singleinitiativeis now aprogramme of 80 recovery coursesannually,transforming welfaresupport for the Royal Navy's most vulnerable service members.
Warrant Officer Angela Cheal said:
I am immensely proud of what we have built; the people who we support are always at the forefront of my mind and I am grateful for theassistancemy command has given me over the past five years to see this project become what it is today.
is an incredible honour to receive an MBE, and one that I accept with great pride on behalf of my very supportive family and everyone I have worked alongside throughout my career in Recovery.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
