Private Damien Greene received the honour at a ceremony at Aras an Uachtarán.
A midlands soldier has received the Defence Forces Values Champion Award for 2020.
Athlone's Private Damien Greene was presented with the honour at a ceremony at Aras an Uachtarán.
He overcame a struggle with alcoholism, trained in suicide awareness and returned to service after a two year battle with cancer.
Speaking at the event President Michael D Higgins said Óglaigh na hÉireann has a huge impact on the lives of people around the world:
Private Greene has been chatting to Midlands 103's Ellen Butler about turning his life around and helping to support others now:
Private Greene with his wife Christine and President Michael D. Higgins.
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