Presentation of the British Empire Medal

On Friday 14th November, 2025 it was with great pride we witnessed the presentation of the British Empire Medal to Gillian Howie, Director of Squadron Prints Ltd.
 
In the company of many RAF friends and colleagues the medal was presented by two Lord Lieutenants; Mrs Patricia Sawers representing the county of Angus and Air Commodore Alastair Monkman CBE representing Moray.  
 
With the kind permission of Group Captain Sarah Brewin, Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth and Wing Commander Ed Morris, Officer Commanding No.1 (Fighter) Squadron the ceremony was held in the hangar of No.1(F) Squadron in the company of Team Lossie, friends and colleagues.  Air Commodore Monkman opened the proceedings and introduced Group Captain Bob Kemp, former Director of the RAF Benevolent Fund (Scotland) and told the assembled group why this event was taking place and Gill’s story. 
 
In front of the four RAF Lossiemouth fighter squadron Standards, beautifully placed in between a pair of RAF Typhoon aircraft, this created the perfect and most appropriate location for this memorable and unique occasion. A few of the many congratulatory messages were read out by Air Commodore Monkman including former RAF Leuchars Station Commander Air Marshal Sir Ian Macfadyen, former RAF Buccaneer and Harrier pilot Squadron Leader Ned Cullen, Air Vice Marshal Simon Strasdin CBE, former Commander of 12(B) Squadron and Commander ISTAR. Other message from Group Captain Robbie Lees on behalf of The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows but the most surprising message was from General Dan “Raizin” Caine, current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  
 
Everyone then stood as Air Commodore Monkman read the citation and Mrs Patricia Sawers pinned on the British Empire Medal to Gill.  The party then retired to the Sunninghill Hotel in Elgin for an Afternoon Tea and some celebratory drinks.
 
A truly emotional, proud and just a perfect day which would not have been possible without the help of many at RAF Lossiemouth, but sincere and grateful thanks to Squadron Leader Jonathan Greenhowe and No.1(F) Squadron engineers, for their unfailing attention to detail and the exceptional layout of the hangar.