FAA Warrant Officer receives MBE
FAA training Officer from Yeovilton is awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list in recognition for his diligence, hard work and ‘tireless efforts on behalf of others’.
Warrant Officer Barry Firth (42) from Yeovil and based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton has been awarded the MBE in this years News Years Honours list for the key role he has played both in his work and his unstinting support of children’s charities, including the Sporting Bears Motoring Club who have raised £1.2M to date!
When asked how he feels about receiving such recognition Barry said, “Two things went through my mind when Caitlin, my wife, read it out to me on the phone; one was an overwhelming sense of how surreal it seemed at not feeling worthy and the other was relief that it wasn’t a speeding ticket as I was concerned that it was a cream colour, letter sized envelope sent from Portsmouth! It’s slowly sinking in and I feel very honoured”.
On sharing his news with his family Barry said,”My Mum cried and both she and my Dad said they were extremely proud and that my Grandma (deceased) would be over the moon. The main thrust of everything I do is to try and be a good example and role model for my son James so that when I do kick this mortal coil I would have hopefully made a lasting impression for him as someone to aspire to. I have done some Google research and found out that as an MBE holder he can (if he chooses) get married in one of the chapels in St Paul’s cathedral. So that would be something amazing, although as he only five years old I may need to start saving now!”
Warrant Officer Barry Firth has been awarded the Member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for being:
“Responsible for maritime modifications in the Lynx Project Team you have risen to every challenge, building a strong reputation for your technical expertise and consummate professionalism. Shouldering responsibilities beyond your rank, you have played a key role in providing safe solutions and delivering a broad range of complex and important aircraft modifications, including dual control configuration, that will bring immense advantage to the Service. At the same time the enthusiasm and selflessness that are a hallmark of your professional life are reflected in your activities in the wider community where you are a tireless supporter of children charities. You have dedicated considerable time and energy to organising numerous events that have raised significant funds for a wide range of good causes. An exceptional ambassador for the Royal Navy, you are a compassionate and inspirational figure who sets a fine example. Your tireless efforts on behalf of others are particularly impressive and in the finest traditions of the Service.”
Barry is currently employed as the Deputy Engineering Training Officer within the Yeovilton Engineering Training School, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. He is responsible for the training of Air Engineering Technicians on Lynx, Wildcat and Sea King aircraft.
His Sporting Bears charity work continues with a further 16 events planned for next year with the aim of raising even more funds for children’s charities across the UK. As the Events Manager for the Rally for Heroes he is also working towards reaching our total of raising £100k for SSAFA.