Leading from the Front

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Ramsden, has become the first New Zealander to be awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal at a special ceremony recently in Brussels, Belgium. The award was presented NATO Secretary-General His Excellency Mr Jaap de Hoop Scheffe, in recognition for Ramsden’s outstanding service while he was working for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan. His medal citation commends his superior leadership and example, stating that “he was extremely proactive, pursuing excellence to ensure the quality and tempo of his branch’s work. He focused on maintaining momentum and the Commander’s intent as multiple command and staff changes occurred, in an often tumultuous environment.” The NATO MSM was first awarded in 2003 to commend military and civilian personnel for providing exceptional and remarkable service to NATO, be it through acts of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances, exceptional leadership or outstanding individual contributions.