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CFIVA News
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BRAVERY AWARD FOR CFIVA MEMBER Tuesday, January 30, 2007 From 1991 Richard Hanton served in 109 and 105 Brigades of the Croatian Army at Vinkovci, Nustar, Karlovac and Bjelovar and with the HVO in northern Bosnia during Croatia's war of independence. He later joined the British Army as an airborne medic and infantryman, earning four medals for operations in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Kosova and Afghanistan. He is a loyal member of CFIVA, travelling long distances to attend reunions and helping us raise money for humanitarian aid. In July, Richard was returning home from a maritime festival in the city where he lives. Walking through a park he spotted two youths struggling. One was much larger than the other and the smaller youth's face was covered in blood. Richard challenged them and the bigger youth claimed they were just playing around. Richard challenged them and the bigger youth claimed they were just playing around. The smaller said that he was being robbed and that the mugger was trying to steal his iPod. Wisely, Richard did not physically intervene but had the presence of mind to warn the assailant that he was going to take his photo, which he then did, using his mobile phone. The robber then made off as Richard called the police and administered First Aid to the victim. He then helped the youth to the nearest road where they were met by two police cars; one took the victim to hospital whilst Richard cruised around in the other looking for the robber, who was later arrested at his home address. Thanks to Richard's vital evidence, Omar Rahman was convicted in January 2007 and sentenced to eight months in prison. The court learned that he had four previous convictions for assaulting police, a public order offence, an offence of wounding, as well as possessing a blade. For his selfless conduct and cool head in a dangerous situation Richard was presented with an engraved drinking set as a token of pride from his comrades in the Association at our Christmas reunion last year.
CFIVA |
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