Most people reading this story would think that 30 and 4 years of service, equals 34 years; however, service in the Australian Army is never taken for granted.

On 27 July 2006, WO2 Brian Parsons, Chief Clerk, CTF 635, Honiara, Solomon Islands supporting RAMSI was awarded his third long service clasp to recognise 30 years of dedicated and valuable service to the Australian Army.

WO2 Parsons enlisted into the Australian Army on 27 January 1976 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC) as a Clerk. Since that time he has served in a variety of units and postings throughout Australia.

As a further surprise, WO2 Parsons was presented with the newest medal to be awarded to members of the ADF; the Australian Defence Medal (ADM). The ADM has been approved for issue to all current and former serving members of the ADF since 1945 to recognise four years of service or more to the Australian military regardless of home, operational or active service.

When reflecting on his service, WO2 Parsons said ‘After 30 years, it’s the people and the places that make it all worth while’.

WO2 Parsons is looking forward to many more years of service and is proud to serve Australia and the Solomon Islands in their pursuit of peace and stability.