Combat comic ‘Lehmo’ honoured
Comedian Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann has been awarded the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) in recognition of his two decades of support to deployed troops.
CAPTION: Comedian Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann is awarded the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) by Deputy Theatre Commander Major General Paul Kenny in recognition 20 years of support to deployed troops. Story and photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.
Over the past 20 years, Lehmo has completed 10 tours with Forces Entertainment, performing for Australian personnel in locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and across the Middle East.
“When your hecklers are armed, you definitely put in a bit more effort,” Lehmo joked.
Deputy Theatre Commander Major General Paul Kenny presented the medal, acknowledgingLehmo’s long-standing contribution.
“It’s a well-earned honour, and we look forward to seeing you continue to support our people, whether through your stories, your humour or simply by shaking their hands,” Major General Kenny said.
After almost 75 days in numerous areas of operations as a civilian entertainer, Lehmo is still excited to keep supporting troops abroad and is keen for his next opportunity.
His first tour was in Iraq in 2005.
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Very sad, but true. It is a poor reflection on the ADF that the higher the ranks, including SNCOs and WOs nominate their peers for more and more decorations.
We are now looking more like the US and North Korean military.
Only civilians are impressed, because they don’t know any better.
If he was a senior officer he would have gotten it 19 and a half years ago as well as a DSM, CSM and an OAM
If he was a senior officer he would have gotten it 19 and a half years ago as well as a DSM, CSM and an OAM