The Australian Women's Register

Meritorious Unit Citation

Warrant Officer Class Two Joanne Cheers

We extend our very sincere congratulations to Jo Cheers on receipt of the Insignia of the Meritorious Unit Citation earned for her service with the 10th Force Support Battalion during warlike operations in East Timor.

The 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation in the 2002 Australia Day Honours list for sustained outstanding service in the provision of logistic support to warlike operations in East Timor. 10 FSB became the Army’s first logistics Unit to be awarded the highly prestigious citation and is only the second unit in the Army to receive the citation.

The Governor of Queensland, Major General Peter Arnison awarded the Citation during a parade at Lavarack Barracks on Saturday 13 April 2002, and members representing units of 10 FSB were presented with the Citation. A group of former members of 10 FSB were also on parade to receive the Citation and eligible former members not present on 13 April 2002 were presented with the Citation by their respective Commanding Officers.

Jo Cheers served with 10 FSB in East Timor and was posted to Sydney early in 2002. She was presented with her Award by the Commanding Officer of her present unit in the presence of military and civilian members of the unit.