Commendation in King’s Honours for Brize Norton welfare officer | News | SSAFA

18 June 2024

Sarah Duviau, Welfare Officer with the RAF South Team, has been awarded the Chief of Air Staff’s Commendation in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours.

The nomination was made by Group Captain Claire O'Grady, Station Commander, Royal Air Force Brize Norton – where Sarah is based – and the commendation is for a combination of her professional work at the base and for her extensive voluntary work there with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

In addition to her professional duties, Sarah – originally from Carmarthenshire – has given up countless hours at Brize Norton to help serving personnel and their families stationed there. In addition to being one of SSAFA’s Community Connection Champions, Sarah has devoted herself to voluntary duties.

Gp Capt O’Grady said in her nomination: “Sarah’s commitment and energy are extraordinary. She is delivering facilities that are improving the quality of life for all at RAF Brize Norton, and critically, reducing loneliness and isolation.”

Speaking of her accomplishments, Sarah said: “The music room – opened last year – was my biggest achievement, I have since set up music therapy, run a weekly art group and yearly station bowling event. In December 2023, I opened an all-ranks recreation room, and earlier this month, I ran a workshop promoting wellbeing and developing resilience for service personnel.”

Sarah’s passionate approach to those she works for was also commended by Charlotte Eadie, SSAFA’s Serving Community Manager, who said of Sarah: “This award is so very well deserved. You’ve worked tirelessly on behalf of others and I can’t think of anyone more deserving. Huge, huge congratulations!”

The last word goes to Sarah, who added: “I’m incredibly grateful to have received this commendation; in fact, I was totally surprised and honoured to have been nominated in the first place.

“I’m also grateful to everyone who has supported me in both my employed and volunteer roles at SSAFA, because without this support, what has been achieved at Brize Norton wouldn’t have been possible.”