News item | 26-04-2024 | 14:32
It probably doesn’t happen often, but today a couple at Defense received a Royal decoration. The couple received the medal of honor for their commitment to veterans. Minister Kajsa Ollongren pinned the decorations on them during a ceremony at the ministry in The Hague.
Enlarge image Minister Ollongren congratulates Renske van Dijk-van der Geest.
Renske van Dijk-van der Geest was appointed Member of the Order of Orange Nassau, her husband Albert as Member of the Order of Orange Nassau with swords.
Van Dijk-van der Geest invented, among other things, the children’s medal. They have children when their father or mother has been on a mission. After many activities for the home front, Van Dijk-van der Geest became a board member for veterans affairs at the Military History Platform in Ede. Later she was involved in the establishment of the Veterans Meeting Center Ede, of which she also became chairman. “The people who have worked with you appreciate you for your commitment, empathy and organizational skills,” says Ollongren. She quoted one of them: “Renske comes from the heart, with passion and fire. She is therefore invaluable to the people around her.”
Enlarge image Also a ribbon for Lieutenant Colonel Albert van Dijk.
Quality of assistance
Like his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Albert van Dijk is committed to veterans with boundless energy. As a support person, he offers them a listening ear, support or referral to official bodies. Ollongren: “Your commitment went further than that, because you are also involved in the training of other zero-line support workers, organize regional meetings and monitor the quality of care. It will no longer surprise anyone that you are also active at the Veterans Meeting Center in Ede. Due to your wife’s health problems, you have (temporarily) taken over the chairmanship. I have great respect for such dedication.”
Enlarge image A ribbon for Captain-Lieutenant-at-sea Mensink
Wheelchair dancing association
Another person who is committed to veterans is Captain-Lieutenant Diana Mensink. Hers was the third award that the minister pinned on behalf of the king. As of today, she is a Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau with the Swords.
In addition to her regular work as a naval officer, Mensink fulfills numerous additional positions. For example, she is a zero-line helper at the Dutch Veterans Institute, she has been committed to a wheelchair dance association for 16 years and she is chairman of an association for ex- and actively serving female soldiers. “You are frequently praised for your qualities, compassion and integrity. With and without uniform,” says Ollongren.
Enlarge image
Pillars of our existence
The minister said he was impressed by the stories of the decorandi. “Let us continue to strive for a society in which your example is the norm, in which kindness and service are the pillars of our existence.”
A total of 25 people have been awarded for their relationship with Defense. Except for the three mentioned, the rest received the medal of honor from the mayor in their hometown.
Decorated people
The decorated:
Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau:
Messrs B. Dedden, RP Mes, EP Vonk, JJ Kapteijn, HJ Kroes, H. Schimmel, LC Schreuders and HJJM Vleeshouwers
Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau with swords:
Captain-Lieutenant DJA Mensink and Lieutenant-Colonel JA Smits.
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau:
Mr J. Bixerman, ACG Bussel, Mrs van Dijk-van der Geest, Mr PJL Mentink, EA Geertsema, PJJH Lasoe, GHP Scheepers, JPM Schoenmakers and TDH van Vugt.
Member of the Order of Orange Naussau with swords:
Lieutenant Commander 1st Class AGN van den Broek, Captain Lieutenant Commander PBA Coster, Lieutenant Colonel AL van Dijk, Lieutenant Colonel GJP van der Most, First Lieutenant HC Udes and First Lieutenant T. Zijl .
