Sodexo UK & Ireland is proud to announce that colleagues from its Government business, which has worked alongside and supported the UK Armed Forces both in the UK and overseas for many years, have been recognised by the award of his personal commendation by the Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS), General Gwyn Jenkins CB OBE ADC.
Christina Williams, Deputy Contract Manager for Sodexo in the Falkland Islands, has been awarded a VCDS Commendation for her exceptional service to the MoD. Her 27-year commitment, working in the Falkland Islands for Sodexo and supporting UK Armed Forces on the islands, is marked by outstanding leadership and selfless dedication, positively impacting thousands of lives. Christina’s impact has extended beyond her professional role, exemplified by her significant charitable contribution and her proactive approach during a number of crisis response events, the Covid-19 pandemic as well as working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) on sustainable solutions for waste generated on the islands.
The DIO team at headquarters British Forces Cyprus and Sodexo’s contract team in Cyprus were collectively honoured with a VCDS Commendation for their collaboration and support in Operation Polar Bear. The team played a crucial role during the summer of 2023 in the largest UK non-combatant evacuation operation during a crisis, providing essential welfare services and sustenance to over 2,400 British nationals evacuated from war-torn Sudan as well as supporting the additional 2,000 service personnel stationed on the island to support the evacuation.
VCDS Commendations are awarded twice a year, alongside the state honours and awards, to individuals and teams who have performed outstanding service to the MoD.
Mark Baker, Chief Operating Officer Defence, Sodexo UK & Ireland told GPSJ: “I would like to congratulate Christina, the team in Cyprus and the in-flight catering team at RAF Brize Norton. These commendations reflect not only the individual excellence of our team members but also the collective spirit, collaborative ethos and commitment of Sodexo in support of the UK’s Armed Forces.
“Our involvement in such critical operations, which has spanned four decades of support to the British military, showcases our agility, adaptability and resilience, especially in challenging times. This recognition underlines the positive impact our people have within the communities they live, work and serve and the outstanding delivery of services, even under the most demanding circumstances.”
Both Christina and the Cyprus team were also among the winners at Sodexo’s annual Spirit of Sodexo awards dinner, held at ACC Liverpool in December, which celebrated a year of outstanding achievements and excellence across its business. Christina was awarded the lifetime achievement accolade and the Cyprus team was recognised with the CEO award.
Meanwhile, the In-flight Catering Team at RAF Brize Norton, Hestia South, has been awarded an Air Officer Commanding 2 Group commendation by Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall for their collective work. The team worked selflessly in partnership with station military personnel to sustain operational tempo whilst supporting a myriad of global operations, including Operation Polar Bear.
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