Military co-responder receives honour for life-saving volunteer service

Date: 23 January 2026

A volunteer military co-responder from RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire has received an MBE in recognition of his outstanding commitment to public service and emergency care.

Sergeant Gareth Jones with his MBE at Windsor Castle

Sergeant Gareth Jones, Team Leader of the RAF Henlow Military Co-Responders, was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours last year. Last week he travelled to Windsor Castle to receive his medal from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

In his day job, Sergeant Jones is a Survival Equipment Technician with 7 Squadron at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. He has also been a volunteer co-responder with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) for 15 years. During that time, he has responded to more than 7,000 emergency calls, providing critical support to patients across the region.

In 2025 alone he volunteered over 830 hours as a co-responder, responding to 999 calls and supporting EEAST crews to improve outcomes for patients.

Sergeant Gareth Jones said: "I feel deeply honoured to receive this recognition. For me, it's truly a team achievement that highlights all the hard work and commitment we have devoted in supporting EEAST and the local communities that we are proud to live and work in."

Tom Barker, EEAST Head of Co-Response, said: "Gareth's commitment as a co-responder over the past 15 years has been truly exceptional. His dedication has supported thousands of patients at their most critical moments, and his leadership and professionalism continue to inspire other serving military personnel to volunteer with the ambulance service. Gareth’s contribution embodies the very best of co-response and partnership working, and this recognition is richly deserved."

Military co-responders are serving military personnel or civil servants who volunteer their time to support the ambulance service with emergency 999 calls. They receive clinical training by EEAST and respond to 999 calls on blue-light ambulances and rapid response vehicles, provided by the Trust. EEAST currently works with co-responder teams at RAF Henlow, RAF Honington, RAF Marham, RAF Wyton and St George's Barracks.