The family of Liam Tasker receive his medal

[SgtJim]

releated posts/videos if you don't know the full story:

http://www.apacheclips.com/boards/showthread.php?12596-Fallen-hero-and-his-dog-return
http://www.apacheclips.com/comments/30169/Fallen_hero_and_his_dog_return/
http://www.apacheclips.com/comments/30154/Final_journey_for_soldier_and_dog/
http://www.apacheclips.com/comments/30149/Two_Fallen_Heroes/




here is a story by Julie Knox from bfbs.com

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http://vimeo.com/22120711





The family of a dog handler killed in Afghanistan have been presented with his campaign medal alongside his squadron colleagues.


Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, was killed on March 1st when he was on patrol in Helmand Province with Springer spaniel Theo. The dog later suffered a seizure and also died - believed by many to be from a broken heart.


Soldiers from 104 Military Working Dog Squadron, part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, received their campaign medals at a special parade at St George's Barracks in North Luffenham, Rutland.


Among them were LCpl Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, stepfather, Jimmy Duffy, father, Ian Tasker, and sisters, Laura and Nicola.


Mrs Duffy received her son's campaign medal as the squadron was also given a commendation from the Commander of Joint Force Support Afghanistan, Brigadier Alister Davis, for "distinguished service in the support of Operation Herrick" in Afghanistan.


Forty-five soldiers from the squadron and four RAF police dog handlers who deployed to Afghanistan joined the parade. The squadron, which returned from a six-month tour last Tuesday, provided protection and search capabilities as well as helping to clear routes, buildings and vehicles.


Colonel Neil Smith, head of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, who presented the medals, told the soldiers LCpl Tasker was a real "star" who exemplified the "character and capability" of the squadron.
"Every one of you can be very very proud of all you have achieved in the last six months.


"Because of what you did, and I include LCpl Tasker in that, there are people, soldiers, who are alive today. There are people, soldiers, Afghan security forces and Afghan civilians who owe their lives to what you and your dogs achieved."


Wishing the soldiers a good leave period, he added: "Please take care - you may be brilliant but you are not invincible."


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a great video find from Joelee:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbMbsPeZuTA

[conorcolt]

great post SgtJim,

i appreciate what you do here in the forums

[SgtJim]

Elizabeth Cross presented to the family of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker

May 11, 2011

by ukforcesafghanistan


Her Royal Highness Princess Anne has presented the Elizabeth Cross to the family of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker at a private ceremony held at the Defence Animal Centre.

Liam’s mother Jane Duffy collected the medal together with his father Ian Tasker, brother Ian, his two sisters Laura and Nicola, and his girlfriend Leah.




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Princess Anne presents the Elizabeth Cross to Lance Corporal Liam Taskers mother Jane Duffy and father Ian Tasker

Lance Corporal Tasker deployed to Afghanistan on 8 September 2010 as part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. Having trained as an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler, he was attached to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on 19 February 2011.


On 1 March 2011, Lance Corporal Tasker was taking part in a patrol with his dog, Theo, when they were engaged by small arms fire, during which Lance Corporal Tasker was struck and died from the injuries he sustained. Sadly, on returning to Camp Bastion, Theo suffered a seizure and died.


Liam’s mother Jane Duffy said: “It was a great honour to receive the Elizabeth Cross from Princess Anne. It has been a memorable and emotional day, but also a very proud occasion.”


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Lance Corporal Liam Tasker's mother with the Elizabeth Cross


The Elizabeth Cross was introduced in 2009 to give recognition to bereaved families of soldiers killed on operations, or as a result of terrorist actions since January 1, 1948. Each individual cross carries the name of the soldier, sailor or airman who died serving his country.
The Defence Animal Centre is responsible for the procurement and training of all military working dogs, and delivering dog handler courses, from Explosive Detection Dog Handler through to Protection dog and Police Dog training.



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