A YELVERTON woman, hailed as a 'pillar of the local community' was awarded the MBE in the Queens' birthday honours list.
Kathy Howard, wife of Tavistock town clerk Roger Howard, received the honour in recognition of her service to the Territorial Army.
She said it was a 'complete shock' when she learned of the award last Friday.
'I wasn't expecting anything like this at all,' said Mrs Howard.
As Major Howard, she has served as Regimental Administrative Officer for the 71st (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment, regularly travelling the 580 miles to the unit's base in Kent.
'Major Howard's commitment to the unit constantly exceeds the expectations for a volunteer officer. Her professionalism is unquestionable and her expertise profound,' read the citation.
Major Howard was a regular officer in the Royal Signals for 13 years, before joining the TAs. She was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1996.
In addition to her TA commitments Mrs Howard serves as a National Trust volunteer at Buckland Abbey, as a governor at Meavy Primary School, a member of the parochial church council for St Paul's in Yelverton and a case worker for the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association welfare organisation.
Also awarded an MBE was Warrant Officer John George Arthur Iles, of Tavistock.
An OBE went to Commander Andrew Young from Yelverton, who serves in the Royal Navy.