These awards are normally awarded to military personnel or civil servants for exceptional achievements, however on this occasion, Air Vice Marshall Wiles decided to break with precedent and commend Retallick for his huge contribution to the Armed Forces as chair of judges for the Combined Services Culinary Challenge (CSCC) during the past nine years. The citation read: "This award recognises your role as chairman of judges for the Combined Services salon culinaire. Undertaking the role to attract and manage more than 30 nationally renowned culinary judges, to adjudicate and more importantly impart advice and guidance to the service chefs. "The event has a high reputation in the national catering industry and much of that is down to you. Your immense contribution to the continuing success and relevance of CSCC has made you a household name within the Armed Forces' catering circles and your personal efforts are commendable and a huge credit to your craft and to your commitment to the Armed Forces." Retallick said he was humbled and very honoured to be given this award. "It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with so many enthusiastic and committed experienced culinary judges, competitors and trainee chefs, not forgetting the many trainers and managers during these competitions. "The organisation involved in staging these annual events is so smooth and professional and such a pleasure to have experienced."