September 2, 2016
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The hard work and determination of a Stirling Council employee at Exercise Executive Stretch has been recognised.
Caroline Mooney was one of 50 Executives from all over Scotland who were put through their paces at Edinburgh’s Redford Barracks and Castlelaw and Dreghorn Training Area from 22-24 July.
The object was to give Caroline and the others first-hand experience of the Reserve forces and to highlight the vast range of valuable transferable skills Reservists bring to both their civilian and military lives.
Lead unit for the 51 Infantry Brigade exercise was the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) with support coming from Navy, Army and Royal Marine Reserve units.
Caroline, a Contract Management & Procurement Officer, excelled at the event with her team overall runners-up. Caroline was also selected as the best person in team.
Trophies for both were presented at Stirling Council’s HQ by HRFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Ron Macgregor on 1 September.
Stirling Provost Mike Robbins, head of HR Kristine Johnson and Executive Stretch participants Natalie Harrison and Wendy Cameron were among those at the presentation.
Presenting the trophies to Caroline, Ron said: “What people didn’t know was that I had got hold of each team’s military chaperone at the beginning and asked them to come back to me with the name of the person who had put in the greatest effort, enthusiasm and team-building spirit.
“I’m absolutely delighted to say the person who came out with all those characteristics was Caroline. Congratulations and well-done you!”
Caroline said of the weekend: “It was a really good opportunity to see what Reserves do and a brilliant experience. I would recommend it to anybody.
“I particularly enjoyed shooting at the range as well as some of the physical tasks such as recovering the Land Rover and searching the car.
“Even sleeping outside was great, and the food was good which came as a surprise.
“It’s also been a good springboard to improve my fitness and I’ve even had a look at possibly joining the Reserves.
“Overall, it was such a positive experience that I’m really keen to explain to others what you can get out of the Reservists.”
The council’s Kristine Johnson added: “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank HRFCA for providing these opportunities for our staff.”
Caroline Mooney receives one of her two prizes from Ron Macgregor.
Wendy Cameron – who was part of the winning team and had received her trophy at the event in July – brought it along to the presentation.
