MBE For Soldier Promoting Equal Opportunities For All

WO2 Karen Styles has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours for helping others in the military.

Karen who is the former Chair of the Army LGBT Forum, has been awarded an MBE for the work she and her team have done promoting equal and fair opportunities throughout defence.

“We work so closely together with employment branch here at Army Headsquarters to ensure that every soldier is treated fairly and that they can be their authentic selves while they’re at work.”

Karen’s citation states: “She has created a platform and a voice for those calling for a more tolerant and less prejudiced Armed Forces. Under her stewardship the Army has excelled, moving from 79th to 32nd in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

"As a direct result of her industry and drive the Army LGBT network is viewed as an exemplar across Defence.”

She's just been awarded an MBE and she talks to us on @BFBSSalsplain b'fast soon.@ArmyLGBT@BritishArmy@bfbs@ForcesNews@RoyalTankRegtpic.twitter.com/qhMx3eiB70

— bfbssturgess (@BfbsSturgess) June 26, 2017

Karen had no idea she was to be awarded:

“It was completely and utterly left of arc. I had no idea this was inbound and I was shocked into silence and people that know me know that I like to talk.”

MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. They are awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.

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