Today we’re marking Armed Forces Day. It’s a chance to show support for the men and women of our Armed Forces Community; from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
Our colleagues and Military Injuries team are showing their support for the Armed Forces to express our gratitude for the amazing work they do across the globe. This year, we thank the ethnic minorities which have played such an integral part in our British Armed Forces.
We spoke to some of our clients to find out what serving in the Armed Forces as part of an ethnic minority group means to them.
Andre’s story
Lance Bombardier - Royal Artillery
In 2009, Andre left Saint Lucia where he’d been serving in the Royal St Lucia police force. He was 19 years old, and felt his purpose in life was to have a positive impact on the world and serve his Queen and Commonwealth. Andre joined the British Armed Forces and served with the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.
Andre said: “I love people, and I have a passion to help wherever I can. To be in a position where I could put a smile on someone’s face meant the world to me.”
It’s this passion which inspired him to join the British Armed Forces, a place he felt could help him achieve his goal. The environment he joined promoted equality and diversity and had high values and standards.
In 2015, he Andre was deployed to Afghanistan and was promoted to Lance Bombardier, where he took up the role of Detachment Commander. But while he was overseas, he contracted sepsis, a condition which can lead to life-changing injuries and can even be fatal if not caught early enough.
Andre returned to the UK in 2016 and was selected to attend a Junior Non-Commission Officer course.
He continued to serve until 2019, and looks back on his service with pride. “I achieved my goal to have an impact on the world, and influence a smile on people’s faces. Good deeds give a sense of hope and faith in humanity, to create a better world and life for all. We should all strive to help in any opportunities we receive.”
Wilfred’s story
Lance Corporal - Royal Logistic Corps
Wilfred was in the Royal Logistics Corps as a Supply Specialist, and enjoyed training through the ATR Training Regiment at the Royal Princess Barracks in Winchester.
In 2016, he spent time in the Falkland Islands, where he worked alongside the Army, Navy and Airforce. He was posted to 7 Regiment (RLC) in Kendrew Barracks, where he spent the rest of his Army career.
Through his time in the Armed Forces, Wilfred was also able to pursue his second passion of taekwondo. It’s a sport that takes courage, dedication and humility, which supported him in being the best soldier he could be.
Participating in the full-contact version of the sport, Wilfred has achieved outstanding results and has gained a medal in every event entered. Wilfred won Taekwondo Military Sports Personality of the Year, Army Team Champions at the Inter-Services Taekwondo, and runner-up at the Army Mixed Martial Arts Championships, amongst others.
Through his potential as a future Commonwealth Games participant, Wilfred was also selected to attend the World Taekwondo Hanmadang in Korea as a representative of the British Military.
Wilfred’s proudest moment was when he was recognised for his talents and invited to a reception for the Commonwealth Diaspora by the Queen. He also had the opportunity to meet and speak to Charles, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
The RLC and the British Army gave Wilfred a platform to achieve his goals, not as a serving soldier but as a sportsman. Wilfred says: “My time in the army has been a journey and every single moment was memorable. I was able to make the British Army, my unit, friends and family proud, and also made myself proud.”
Sargeant - Royal Artillery
Abdourahman joined the Army in 2006. As a migrant, the sense of belonging was appealing and he found the career very rewarding. During his career, he was deployed on numerous operational tours including Iraq and Afghanistan.
When he first joined the British Army, Abdourahman said he “felt inclusivity was a bit of a challenge for the organisation” however now appreciates there are many support groups such as the Armed Forces Muslim Association. Equality and inclusivity are now at the forefront of their culture, which is welcomed amongst everyone.He said “As a Black man, but also a Muslim, serving in the British Army has been a huge privilege. I was exposed to different cultures and comraderies that otherwise I don’t think I’d get in any other career.”
Abdourahman has enjoyed many career highlights, but recalls one of the best being when he was in London on ceremonial duties. He had the privilege of serving in Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St James’ and Windsor Castle.
Abdourahman completed his service in 2018 after over 12 years of service in the Royal Artillery.
A final note
Although we’ve not been able to share everyone’s story, we’re thankful to all our clients who took the time to share what being an ethnic minority in the British Armed Forces means to them. This Armed Forces Day, we thank everyone who has served.
Our Military Injuries team are proud to support the Armed Forces community, and are here to support you or a loved one with military injury compensation claims.
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