Reservist Gary is honoured for his '˜exceptional service'

Corporal Gary Mackerial, 49, was awarded Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant’s Certificate of Merit, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the armed services. He has received the honour in recognition of his exceptional service with army reserve unit 64 Medical Squadron, 3 Medical Regiment, based in Chorley.

The presentation was made by Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, Lord-Lieutenant for Lancashire, during a ceremony held at Towneley Hall.

Gary, a warehouse driver in his civilian job, originally followed his father’s footsteps into the army cadets, after which he joined the army reserve.

He joined 64 Medical Squadron in 2009 where, exceeding normal commitment, he also works in support of the recruiting cell.

According to his senior officers, through his hard work and dedication, Gary is largely responsible for a 26 per cent increase in the squadron’s manpower in 2015.

Gary said: ‘I’m totally gobsmacked to be receiving this award. I didn’t join the army reserve to win awards, I joined because I enjoy it.

“I feel very honoured to have my contribution recognised in this way.”

Colonel Mark Underhill, Chief Executive of the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, which runs the awards, said: “The Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment and dedication of the men and women who serve in our nation’s reserve forces.

“Corporal Mackeral has demonstrated selfless commitment and faultless work in support of recruiting, increasing the strength of his unit.

“He is highly deserving of the award of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.”