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Nato Medal for globetrotting Barry boy
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| AWARD: Nick Williams is presented with his NATO medal by Major General Jacko Page, the British Commander in charge of Regional Command (South). |
YEARS of globetrotting the world in troubled war zones with British military forces have given a former Barry boy a rare insight into the political turmoil that has raged in Europe and the Middle East.
Since joining the Ministry of Defence in 1975, Nick Williams - a former pupil of Cadoxton Junior School and Barry Boys School - has been in the thick of the action, as a political advisor to senior military officials helping to pave the path of peace in the former Yugoslavia, Iraq and now Afghanistan.
Indeed such has been his commitment to the Balkans, where he carried out two onerous tours, that he has now settled with his wife, Janet, and family in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina.
His efforts were also rewarded with the Queen's Medal for Valuable Service for his work in Bosnia in 2006.
And his selfless commitment to other peace processes, particularly in Iraq where he led the negotiations with local political, civil and religious figures to establish the Basrah Provincial Council in July, 2003, also earned him recognition in 2004 with an OBE.
In addition to working in hostile environments Mr Williams has been posted to NATO Headquarters in Brussels twice, the European Union and for a three-year period was attached to the French Ministry of Defence between 2000 and 2003.
Currently he is in Afghanistan as the political adviser to the Commander of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) at its Regional Command (South) Headquarters in the volatile southern province of Kandahar.
And to mark his continued sterling work for international peace efforts he was recently presented with his NATO medal by Major General Jacko Page, the British Commander in charge of Regional Command (South).
After the presentation Mr Williams commented modestly about his role in international conflicts for more than a decade and his latest award.
"War is such a terrible tragedy for all parties involved," he said.
"Finding the pathway to peaceful resolutions requires both political acumen and a willingness to compromise.
"Each conflict - from a European civil war with the real horror of genocide to ones with potentially more global consequences - has very different root causes and therefore requires innovative but pragmatic political judgements.
"It has been a political rollercoaster ride for more than 20 years, but it is a ride that has presented excitement and professional satisfaction, critical challenges and grave disappointments, as well as fascinating insights into the many differing cultures I have experienced.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the British military forces in the quest for peace, and I am humbled by the progress that has been made in the various war zones I have been so fortunate to have played a small role in.
"I hope the continued work, especially here Afghanistan, proves a success in the long term."
8:13am Saturday 22nd March 2008
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CommentPosted by: arthur, Nice on 4:32pm Wed 26 Mar 08
well done dad, fame and recognition
at last eh?
well done dad, fame and recognition
at last eh?
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