I... Series Six

The last word.

Despite the intention to end the "I..." project at one-hundred faces and Series Five there remained some enthusiasm for one last series of faces. Series Six of “I…” really was the final series of the innovative approach to veteran self-representation. Over the previous three years, “I…” had successfully shared over one hundred veterans' stories of their post-service lives. This final series , albeit shorter than those that preceded it, continued the journey with a new tagline reinforcing Veteran individuality; “I… Can. Every Veterans Story is Different”.

The Faces of I... Series Six

Below are the nine posters and stories that featured in Series Six of I...

Brenda Munday

From Brenda's press release, 13 September 2018:

Our launch poster for series six features retired veteran Brenda Munday. Brenda served in the Royal Corps of Signals from 1963 until 1990 and is now enjoying retirement.

I asked Brenda what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans;

"For those leaving now I would say think twice, but if its necessary, then keep looking for adventure and being useful in society and to past and current colleagues. 'Never' give in to the 'ordinary', that's not where we live. And yes we are all a bit different to general civvies but that only makes us more useful. Good luck be proud".

Carin Pollexfen-Smith

From Carin's press release, 19 September 2018:

This weeks "I…" features Veteran Carin Pollexfen-Smith. Carin joined the RAF as a Telecommunications Operator (TCO) before remustering to the RAF Police. Carin served twice, the first time from 1983 to 1989 and returned to Local Service in 1991 for two years. Carin now works as an Emergency Medical Technician and Trainer (First Aid and Health and Safety), travelling throughout the United Kingdom delivering training courses.

I asked Carin what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans;

"Civilians do not share the same sense of humour/camaraderie or sense of duty instilled in us through our service career. However, grab every opportunity that comes your way and use your skills as they will always serve you well in achieving your end goals. Remember your RAF family are always there no matter what".

I asked Carin how she saw herself as a Veteran :

"I didn't realise until four years ago how much the RAF gave me, I am proud of my time in uniform and support the WRAF Association as much as I can now, I might not be in uniform but spending time with those wonderful ladies is like being thrown back in time. I feel privileged to have been a part of something unique".

Linda Hamill

From Linda's press release, 26 September 2018:

This week's "I…" features Veteran Linda Hamill. Linda's story spans almost thirty years of service, so I feel that Linda best tells it.

"I joined the WRAF on 8 September 1969 as a Clerk Stats and was posted to RAF Leconfield 202 Sqn Search and Rescue. I left in 1971 as I had married, and in those days, you did not always get posted with your husband, so you left and started a family. Several years later, after being a wife of and a wonderful posting in Singapore, I became a single Mum of two and needed a job.

"I had been on a catering course for two years so as I was living in Marham village I asked for a chef's job at RAF Marham. There were no vacancies but I then received a letter inviting me for an interview at 2620 RauxAF Regt Sqn on the base. It turned out they needed a Gunner/Cook on the Sqn and so I signed on the dotted line again in 1984 for another four years service.

"When I was not on exercise in the field I worked at Marham, firstly in the Airmens Mess and 617 Sqn, then, after a year, in the Officers Mess. After my four years I carried on as a civvy chef in the Officers Mess until 1996. I was extremely lucky to work many VIP functions including cooking for the Queen several times and other Royals.

"When I left I received an AOCs Commendation in the Queen's Birthday Honours. After this I ran a couple of pubs, then worked for the NHS and Linkage College until I retired. Since then, I have been involved with what was when I joined the WAAF Association and helped change it to the WAAF WRAF RAF(W) Association, so we cover the three generations of the Ladies of the RAF; I am their National Treasurer. I also helped set up the local Veterans Breakfast Club and organise the WRAF flight for our wonderful AFD in Cleethorpes.

"I belong to the WRAF Branch of RAFA and have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity, three years ago I was involved with the WRAF round Britain Relay Then last year, I did a tandem jump out of a very serviceable aircraft and helped raise £70,000. I was very proud to have taken part in the Festival of Remembrance. I was one of one hundred women representing Women at War 100. I have also marched in London on the Cenotaph Parade for the past four years".

I asked Linda what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans;

"The advice I would give to anyone leaving the Forces, only leave if you have to civvies are an alien bunch most do not have your mind set and it is so frustrating at times. I just wish I had the opportunity to staying in".

I asked Linda how she saw herself as a Veteran :

"I am a Veteran and proud to have served. I have the most amazing friends I have made during my journey through my service life and am thankful for this".

Steve Barker

From Steve's press release, 10 October 2018:

This week's "I…" features Veteran Steve Barker. Steve was initially featured as the face of "I…" in February 2016. Since then, a few things have changed.

"I served for twenty-six years in the Royal Air Force, TG11 (Communications), ending my career as a Basic Recruit Instructor. I am now a Trainer, Facilitator, and Personal Development Coach, and I live in Australia. I moved to Australia five years ago after leaving the RAF.

"I personally really struggled to resettle into civvy street after twenty-six years from the age of 16 and if I were to share one bit of advice it would be; know that you are enough to do whatever you dream of doing. Accepting that even though it may not appear so, everyone is actually doing the very best with what they currently know, have and are aware of".

I asked Steve how he saw himself as a Veteran;

"I am a Life Enhancer - I now help and empower others to become the very best versions of themselves through my work".

Maz Darrow-Bland

From Maz's press release, 17 October 2018:

This week's "I…" features Veteran Maz Darrow-Bland. Maz's story spans almost eighteen years of service and is best told by Steve. Maz then served for nearly eighteen years as a civilian qualified chef and is now the Food and Textiles Technician at the Burford School in Oxfordshire. I asked Maz what advice she had to share with fellow Veterans and those soon to leave the service.

"My advice would be know your worth and bear in mind there are those who are jealous/intimidated by your service so bear that in mind when leaving the military" .

I asked Maz how she saw herself as a Veteran;

"I can learn and adapt".

Veronica Milton

From Veronica's press release,24 October 2018:

This week's "I…" features Veteran Veronica Milton. Veronica' shares her story, which spans fourteen years of uniformed service, and she continues to work in her community today;

"I joined the WRAF in 1975 in the Supply trade, reaching the rank of Cpl. I served at Hereford, Wittering, Gütersloh, Laarbruch, Leuchars, Honington, Henlow, Wyton, and finally, I demobbed during my second tour at Laarbruch in 1989. Whilst serving, I had the privilege to be given 'jollies' in a Hunter, Chinook, Andover, Army Air Corps Lynx and a C130 with the tailgate down and SAS TA jumping out!

"I am currently an 'Advisory Education Support Worker' travelling around the country, ensuring Children in Care are not further disadvantaged in their education by early life events.

"I would say to those leaving the Service... do not sell yourself short. Some times we underestimate the incredible skills we have developed whilst in and how valuable they are in the workplace. Also keep connected to the Veterans networks, old or young we are kindred".

I asked Veronica how she saw herself as a Veteran;

"I Veronica Milton, am strong, I am moral, I am reliable and loyal. I am a Veteran of the Royal Air Force!"

Robert Pitt

From Robert's press release, 7 November 2018:

This week's "I…" featured Veteran is Robert Pitt. Now a civil servant, Robert Joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1984 as a Junior Apprentice training as a Radio Relay Technician. He subsequently served for seventeen years. I asked what advice he had to share with those about to leave;

"If you are leaving, get as much as you can out of your resettlement. Choose your courses wisely. Things you know will be of benefit to any job you are looking at in Civvy Street".

I asked Robert how he saw himself as a Veteran;

"I am aproud Veteran. Proud to have served my Queen and Country. Proud to have met and served with so many good men and women I still have contact with and can still call friends, 18 years after leaving. Proud to march with the Veterans and pay my respects to so many who made the ultimate sacrifice. Proud to say I have served and promote the services as a positive career path"

Laura Reddick

From Laura's press release, 31 October 2018:

This week's "I…" featured Veteran is Laura Reddick. Laura was a supplier until 2013 and is now studying midwifery at the University of the West of Scotland. I asked what advice she had to share with those about to leave;

"Take all resettlement given to you and use it wisely".

I then asked Laura how she saw herself as a Veteran;

“I am very proud to be a veteran I make sure I try my hardest and never give up”.

Tracey Watson

From Tracy's press release, 8 March 2019:

To celebrate the 2019 International Women's Day, "I…" has released a unique poster featuring Veteran Tracy Watson. Now working within the secure telecoms industry using the skills gained through service, Tracy served in the RAF for thirty years as a Telecommunications Operator and ICT Technician. I asked what advice Tracy had to share with those about to leave;

"Whether you have only served a couple of years in the Military or a full career, you will have picked up all kinds of transferable skills to set you up for life and, more importantly, work in the Civilian Sector. We often forget about the leadership skills, communications skills, organisational skills and, not least, being able to mix in groups of all ages and backgrounds that we've picked up through the various parts of our military training and experience. If you have the opportunity of attending Resettlement courses, take that opportunity while you can whether it's to consolidate previous training or something entirely new. The variety of courses is almost limitless! To coin a well-worn phrase, "use it or lose it"! If you haven't already, consider joining one of the many military associations (there will be at least one that is relevant to you) or the Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC) out there to maintain those friendships, the camaraderie, and banter. Who knows, you might even meet up with people you worked with and lost touch with long ago! I know I have!"

I asked Tracy how she saw herself as a Veteran;

"I am a new Veteran! As a new Veteran I'm not sure that I've really got my head round it all yet, but I do know that as an active member and Chair of the WAAF/WRAF/RAF(W) Association, an active member of the WRAF Branch of RAFA, a member of the WRAF Memorial Fundraising Committee and an attendee at the Portsmouth and Southsea AFVBC, I will be able to maintain the friendships that I've made over my thirty years in the WRAF and RAF, continue with the "crew room banter" and even make new friends with like-minded people. I'm not sure I feel old enough to be a Veteran, but I am very proud to call myself an RAF Veteran!"

Series Six

Promotional Posters

These posters were included in the lead up to and used for the duration of Series Six of I....

I... am a Veteran