I am now officially a decorated serviceman.
Actually, I was about three years ago, but due to my choice to spend more time at bands and with my family than SES, I hadn't managed to be presented with the medal for a long time - until a couple of weeks ago. Heavily pregnant local MP
Cherie Burton was at the headquarters presenting medallions to those involved in last year's Hunter storms, and I was invited back to get my medal while she was available.
It felt a little weird returning to SES and being presented with a long service medal when I haven't actually attended for several years, but the fact remains that I
did put in the hard yards for many years, sadly much more than many other people in the community.
The petty politics that was a factor in me spending less time with the organisiation seems to have improved immesruably. I'd consider going back if only I could find a couple more days in each week.