ENGRAVING OF MEDALS

The following has been received from Brian Henman on his experience with Veterans Affairs and the NZDF Medal Section.

In the year of the sailor, I received in the mail an A4 envelope containing my medal for being at Mururoa. The medal came in a sealed plastic bag along with the commendation signed by the Prime minister of the day. It did not contain a miniature medal.

For years afterwards, I would periodically contact the medal section at NZDF and requested the miniature medal that was missing. All to no avail. Late last year (Dec) my case manager from vet’ affairs rang asking what is happening what can I do for you etc etc. In passing I asked if she could help with the medal problem I had..I’ll get onto it she said. Within two hours or so she emailed me the person to contact at the medal section. This I did explaining my problem and added was it possible to be provided with a display case. Two days later I received my medal and a case.

Talking with Dodger Long (ex sparker) he said that his medal was inscribed, something that had not been done to mine. This week when everyone was back at work I emailed my contact in the medal section asking if this could be done. The medal is now in Wellington waiting to be inscribed.

I also asked if they could send me a better presentation case, one where the medal fits into a recess. (I will wait with baited breath on this one). But in saying that, I have been very impressed with the service I have received in such a short time, re a problem that had been a long time in the making.