The event was attended by hundreds of Air Force staff along with their families and friends.
The programme started off with the code of conduct being read out, before a scripture reading and prayer.
Before the medal handover, members of the famous Silver Falcons also performed a sequenced flyover to start off the event.
“A medal parade is always a special occasion where we acknowledge and pay tribute to the sacrifices and commitment made by our colleagues, and also to pay tribute to families and spouses who rendered their endless and undying support,” Matanda said in his speech.
“As disciplined members of the South African Air Force (SAAF), we should always strive to do the right thing even when no-one is looking. Discipline is and will always be the cornerstone of every soldier,” Matanda said.
He added that they are aware that these exceptional achievements did not come without sustained efforts and much sacrifice on the part of both members and their families and loved ones.
