Sponsored by SSAFA
https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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02 Sept 24. Free tickets available for November’s Chepstow Military Race Day. Always a popular event in Wales’s racing calendar, the Chepstow Military Race Day held in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity takes place on Wednesday, November 6, and thousands of free tickets are now available.
Founded and organised since 2013 by Julian Nettlefold, publisher of BATTLESPACE, and Chepstow Events, around £300,000 has been raised for charity at Chepstow Military Race Days. Funds have helped SSAFA to carry on its life-changing work for serving and former Armed Forces personnel, and their families.
People helped include Gareth, who was medically discharged from the Royal Navy after just two years’ service.
He said: “I was looking to make my career, my life in the Navy, but a couple of years in I had to leave because of a previously undiagnosed condition that meant I just couldn’t serve. It was a bad time for me, but with the help of a SSAFA caseworker then a mentor, they made sure I never battled alone and supported me into my new job.
“I couldn’t have done it without them and without SSAFA.”
Mr Nettlefold commented: “We’re building on the success of the event – the platinum sponsor this year is Spectra – with greater table sales and considerable interest in the free entry very kindly given by Chepstow Racecourse to all past and present military personnel.
“This has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for our three chosen charities, SSAFA, The Royal Hospital Chelsea and Combat Stress, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming the Chelsea Pensioners back to Chepstow.”
Tickets are limited to those with a UK Armed Forces connection and for no more than six tickets per booking or household.
To secure free tickets for the race day on Wednesday, November 6, visit chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/military-raceday and use the promo code FORCES24.
10 Sept 24. Ministry of Defence recognise LGBT Veterans in milestone ceremony to help right the wrongs of the past.
Defence Ministers John Healey MP and Alistair Carns OBE MC MP presenting the Etherton Ribbon to LGBT Veterans.
The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence today.
During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP and Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three veterans. This is part of the new Government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of Lord Etherton’s review into the historic treatment of LGBT veterans.
Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the Etherton Ribbon.
The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The special design – which can be worn as a pin – was created by LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the strength shown by those who stood against it.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges the treatment they suffered.
The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and has no place in today’s Armed Forces. I want to be the first of this government’s Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.
We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.”
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said: “The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the wrongs of the past. The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on all the recommendations, including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans recognition they deserve.
We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and support they need.”
The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was published in July 2023.
The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.
Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in today’s Armed Forces.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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