King Charles has decorated a pair of British expats for his or her service with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).
Siobhain Cole and Dominic Sant were awarded The King’s fiftieth Anniversary Medal, which marks the jubilee of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia.
The MAF has run humanitarian aid flights in Papua New Guinea since 1951.
The award is supposed for many who have made significant contributions to the country during its five a long time of independence.
Cole was presented along with her medal by the Honourable Tony Wouwou, Governor of Papua New Guinea, and Solan Mirisim, Telefomin District Member.
She grew up in Lincoln and after seven years within the RAF joined MAF in 2014 as ground operations manager based in Telefomin.
“It was a terrific honour to receive this medal, but we feel very strongly that it reflects MAF’s aviation service over the past seven a long time – we are only those who’re here now,” she said.
“It’s very much a team effort and this award is for all of the MAF staff in PNG who’ve worked throughout the years to serve the isolated people of this country.”
Sant began work as an engine fitter for Rolls-Royce, but in 2022 moved his family from Leeds to the Western Highland Province of Papua New Guinea, where he serves as country director.
He previously met the King in April of this yr when His Majesty launched a recent MAF aircraft at RAF Northolt to mark the charity’s eightieth anniversary.
Commenting on his award, Sant said, “It’s a terrific honour that MAF has been acknowledged by His Majesty King Charles – not only through this special medal, but in addition in personally commissioning an aircraft to serve the people of PNG earlier this yr. This aircraft, entrusted to MAF – just isn’t only a machine – it’s a lifeline, a bridge between isolation and connection.
“This medal just isn’t just an accolade – it’s a recognition of many airmen and girls who’ve dedicated their lives to succeed in isolated communities. I’m proud to receive it on behalf of Harry Hartwig – MAF’s first pilot in PNG – and a whole bunch of inspiring men and girls who’ve loved and served this country through MAF’s air service ever since.”
The Honourable Solan Mirisim, who was formerly a MAF Traffic Officer, thanked the organisation for its contribution to his country.
“For MAF to receive a King’s award on PNG’s Independence Day marks that MAF has been here to offer services to the communities around Telefomin District,” he said.
“MAF is a lifeline to [our] people, and we’d like the MAF family to stick with us because communities depend on [MAF aircraft] to travel safely.”
