Ministry of Defence
The countdown to the 2014 Millies began with public nominations opening for the Support to the Armed Forces category today (Friday).
The award recognises an organisation, individual, or a group that has given exceptional support to the forces community.
It is one of 4 awards celebrating the work carried out by service personnel and the wider service community both in the UK and around the world over the last year.
Now in their seventh year, the Millies have provided an annual opportunity to highlight the achievements and to honour the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. This years Millies will mark the ending of operations in Afghanistan with 4 specially created awards reflecting the extraordinary challenges and achievements of the men and women who have served there since the Millies began.
The Prince of Wales, who launched the Millies in 2008 and will be attending this years ceremony with The Duchess of Cornwall, said:
I am delighted that this years Millies will once again recognise the extraordinary work of our armed forces as they face the unrelenting challenges of todays uncertain world.
Throughout the last year our servicemen and women have continued to demonstrate the courage, resilience and professionalism that we rely upon so heavily.
My wife and I have the privilege of meeting many service personnel and their families on frequent occasions and are constantly reminded of how fortunate we are as a nation to have such dedicated people serving in our armed forces, both at home and abroad.
We are very much looking forward to the awards in December, which celebrate the achievements and bravery of these remarkable servicemen and women.
The 4 categories that will reflect the UK forces work in Afghanistan from the start of the Millies to the present day are:
- The Firefight: dealing with the intense fighting on the front line
- Bomb Disposal: highlighting the contribution of the teams dealing with the improvised explosive device threat
- Saving Lives: paying tribute to the work of the medical teams in supporting troops from front line to rehab
- Mentoring: recognising the work of the troops who have mentored and trained the Afghan Forces
Four additional categories will honour achievements made in the last 12 months. These are:
- Hero Abroad: recognising individuals or units that have made an outstanding achievement in engagements across the world
- Home Front Hero: recognising individuals or units that have made an outstanding achievement in duties around the UK
- Support to the Armed Forces: highlighting a group, organisation, or individual who has given exceptional help to the Forces
- Judges Special Award: the judges personal gift for outstanding service by an individual or group, either civilian or military
The ceremony will take place in London in early December and will be attended by members of the Royal Family and personalities from the worlds of sport, showbusiness and politics.
Members of the public have from 17 October until 31 October to make nominations for the Support to the Armed Forces category via the Suns website.