JDF hosts christmas treat for veterans (contributed photos by Private Donya Allen)
Members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) along with the Royal Air Forces Association Jamaica 580 Branch, yesterday prepared and distributed food packages as part of its annual Christmas treat in honour of veterans. Under normal circumstances this event would draw a large gathering to show appreciation and support for those who have served; however, this scaled-down version of the event reflected the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the JDF said. In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade and former Chief of Staff, Major General (Ret d) Robert Neish.
A limited number of masked military men and women, dressed in their khaki uniforms and led by Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, chief of defence staff, along with other senior military members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), social-distanced inside the history-filled Garrison Church of the Ascension, Up Park Camp, on Tuesday evening for the traditional carol service.
Owing to the pandemic, the 2020 edition was not the usual lavish affair with thousands in attendance at what is seen as the prestigious JDF Open Air Carol Service. But, as the Reverend Dwane Blackwood said as he delivered the homily, “This event is so much a part of the fabric of the JDF that, despite the challenge of COVID, we thought it important to host.”