I... Series Four
To give voice...
"I..." continued to show a more everyday face to HM Forces Veterans, a face beyond the accepted norms of parades, medals & charity. After showcasing sixty veterans across three series, "I…" produced a wholly unique fourth series of posters featuring female Veterans. Series Four had a single intent: to give voice to women veterans, a voice often missing from veteran narratives. Dame Kelly Holmes kindly supported us, with the series featuring mother and daughter and WiS veterans.
The response to Series Four from women veterans was positive in the extreme. The reactions can be read here.
The Faces of I... Series Four
Below are the twenty posters and stories that featured in Series Two of I...
Gabby Read
From Gabby's press release, 3 May 2017:
Our opening poster features Gabby Read. Northants-based Gabby served as a Combat Medical Technician with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), completing Tours of Duty in The Balkans and Afghanistan during her service. Gabby now works as an Artist and supports teachers in local schools.
Using the now familiar "I…" as the start, Gabby was asked to describe herself;
"I…[am] A daughter and a sister, and have served in frontline combat as a medic, with the Rifles. Granddaughter and daughter of riflemen (and mother of a cat)".
We all have a story and sometimes, putting it simply can have the greatest effect.
Gabby’s poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Lin McAlinden
From Lin's press release, 11 May 2017:
Our second poster of this unique "I…" series features WRAF Veteran Lin McAlinden. Lin served in the WRAF for four years in Supply Accounting, mainly in Germany during the Cold War. Of her service, Lin says:
"The Services weren't so obliging then in offering married airwomen positions on their husbands stations on marriage, so I left and worked in the Accounts Department as a civilian" .
When asked what advice Lin had for those about to become Veterans, she had this to say;
"My advice would be for soon to be Veteran's, is to be proud to have served your country and it can continue with numerous service organisations such as RAFA in my case and the RBL. Just get involved in everything".
Finally, using the now familiar "I…" as the start, Lin was asked to describe herself;
"I… am a Volunteer Ambulance Car driver, driving 100's of miles a week, and feel privileged to help people in my retirement, some ex service personnel and even a couple of WW2 Veterans".
Heidi Burton
From Heidi's press release, 17 May 2017:
The third poster of this unique "I…" series features RAF Veteran Heidi Burton. Heidi served sixteen years as a Photographer before leaving to continue her trade in civvy street and designing and making handbags. When I asked Heidi what advice she had for those soon to leave, she had this to say:
"My advice for those about to leave: expect the unexpected, you never know what's around the corner! Also, be prepared to work a little differently alongside people with no military background, it's all very different out here, and if you can adapt to it you'll be okay".
Using "I…" as the starting phrase, Heidi was asked to describe herself;
"I… am a professional photographer and a handbag designer/maker!"
Heidi's poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Kelly Anne Purdie
From Kelly Anne's press release, 24 May 2017:
Series Four of "I…" has struck a chord with our female Veterans. Our latest face, the fourth of this series, features Adventurer and Veteran Kelly Anne Purdie. Kelly Anne served as a Medic with HM Forces and was a member of the British and New Zealand militaries.
Now settled in New Zealand, Kelly Anne has recently completed a marathon seven-and-a-half month trek around the South Island to raise money and awareness of Juvenile Parkinson's Disease. The total distance Kelly Anne covered was 3524km, with Kelly walking 2120km and cycling the remaining 1404km. Of the impact her service had on her, Kelly Anne had this to say:
"I thoroughly loved my time in the military, and they truly were the best years of my life. I learnt so much about life and our big "family". I strongly believe that they prepared me for the solo adventure I embarked on last year. One thing I miss is the amazing friendships built, and the camaraderie enjoyed. I am so proud to have served and now be a veteran."
Kelly Anne is now back at her 'day' job and has written a book about her trek experiences entitled 'The Lost Pom'. However, this won't be the last we'll hear from Kelly Anne, as one thing life in the Forces has taught all Veterans is that adventure is just around the corner.
Kelly Anne’s poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Christine Cox
From Christine's press release, 31 May 2017:
Series Four of "I…" continues to tell the story of our female Veterans. This week's poster features Veteran and Cook Christine Cox. Christine served as a Medic with HM Forces for a decade & now works in a large secondary school in Wiltshire as an assistant cook. Of her military service, Christine had this to say:
"Many aspects of my military training will always be ingrained in me and still prove useful today. I was so proud to serve my Queen and country and had the best time of my life whilst serving. I met lots of amazing people and saw so many places".
When asked what advice she could share, Christine had this to say:
"Don't loose contact with your service family, that you will always be a part of. You will always be military inside and proud to be so".
Using the now familiar "I…" Christine was asked to describe herself.
"I was born into the RAF and married into it as well as serving myself, so I have never felt like a civvie and still don't. I am a veteran and proud to be so".
Christine's poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Beth Roulston
From Beth's press release, 7 June 2017:
This week's face features Royal Navy Veteran Beth Roulston. Now working at RNAS Yeovilton on the Wildcat Integrated Support and Training Sqn, alongside 1reg AAC/ 652 Sqn as a tool controller. In Beth's words, she's "Back in my happy place".
I asked Beth if she had any words of wisdom she wished to share:
"My advice for anyone serving is be proud and safe in the knowledge that you are part of an incredibly special family! Take everything you are offered and complete any challenges like your life depends on it and always with a massive smile!"
Any final thoughts and advice?
"'Ohana' means family - nobody gets left behind or forgotten! And for anyone leaving, don't be afraid to ever ask for help!"
I couldn't, in good consciousness, leave the matter of brown dust coats out of any conversation. The following can be confirmed: there's no place for a dust coat nor an issued copy of the Racing Post in the world of helicopters, but the ancient rituals of chin scratching and head shaking are up to speed and in full use.
It's the little things that make the big difference.
Karen Markwell
From Karen's press release, 14 June 2017:
This week's face feature's Company Director Karen Markwell. Karen served nine years in communications as a ROV or Radio Operator (Voice). Karen was also trained in two languages and, in her own words, "loved every minute of it". Karen now works in the property industry.
I asked Karen what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"Advice I would give others soon to become veterans: Do as much studying and learning as you can on the courses and opportunities offered for your resettlement before you leave the forces, so to prepare you for work and life in Civvy Street. Life in Civvy Street is very different and can be somewhat difficult, but it's not impossible. You'll soon settle down with the help and support of others".
Using the now familiar as "I…" I asked Karen to describe herself as a Veteran;
"I... am a Veteran.
I'm a daughter, sister, aunt and great-aunt - and I'm a Veteran, too.
I'm a colleague, employee, employer, hard worker - and oh yes... I'm a Veteran.
I'm a Brat and a daughter, granddaughter and niece of Veterans, too.
Ohhhh, and did I tell you I'm a Veteran, too?"
Karen's poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Michelle Smith
From Michelle's press release, 21 June 2017:
For our next poster, we feature WRAF Veteran Michelle Smith in her finery, which includes the unique WRAF Branch scarf. Michelle served as a stewardess, joining the Youth Training Scheme and serving twelve years. Michelle now works as an accounts administrator as well as a mother.
I asked Michelle what advice she could share with fellow Veterans and Soon to be Veterans:
"My best advice would be to find a breakfast club as they are a wealth of information and also makes the change a little less scary".
I then asked Michelle to describe herself, starting with the now well-known "I…".
"I am a mother and an accounts administrator, I am a Veteran".
This week also sees the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations in the United Kingdom.
Morag Lightning BEM
From Morag's press release, 28 June 2017:
This week's veteran is Morag Lightning, who served in the Royal Air Force Police for twenty years. Now a full-time mum, Morag volunteers with local community groups and the RAF Association as a caseworker and befriender.
I asked Morag what advice she had for those soon to become a Veteran:
"I would advise soon-to-be veterans to keep in touch with your service family, but enjoy making a civilian life for yourself too. It's just like anew posting, except you get strange looks for your military sense of humour".
Starting with the now well now "I…" I asked Morag to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I Morag Lightning, Mum & voluntary worker, I am a Veteran".
Morag was awarded the BEM in the New Years Honours list in 2023.
Sylvia Walker
From Silvia's press release, 5 July 2017:
This week's poster of the ladies-only Series Four of "I…" features RAF Veteran Sylvia Walker. Sylvia served for twelve years as a Telecommunications Operator/Controller. Sylvia now works as a Teaching Assistant after choosing to leave the RAF after having her children and taking a few years out to concentrate on being a mother and wife.
I asked Sylvia what advice she had for those soon to become a Veteran:
"To those people soon to become veterans the best piece of advice I can give you is to expect to feel "different" - you are and this is normal, never feel ashamed of your differences, be proud. Don't sever your service ties, use the Facebook Groups, consider joining the RBL or RAFA and think about joining a Veterans Breakfast Club. Keep in the loop and you will be okay!"
Starting with the now well now "I…" I asked Sylvia to describe herself as a Veteran:
"I... am proud to have served, to have done my bit for my country. I am also grateful to the RAF for moulding me, and making me a better person rather than the silly girl I was when I joined up! Joining up was without doubt, the best decision I ever made and one I will never regret".
Heidi Muir
From Heidi's press release, 12 July 2017:
This week's "I…" poster, Series Four, features Veteran Heidi Muir. Heidi served for twenty-two years as a Telecommunications Operator/Controller and now works as a Project Coordinator with a national communication company. However, she has her eye set on adventures further afield.
I asked Heidi what advice she could share with those soon to become a Veteran:
"Networking, that's the key. You're not the first person going through this. Ask lots of questions".
Starting with "I…" I asked Heidi to describe herself as a Veteran:
"I am a veteran but I just can't let go of all of my friends. I love meeting up and remembering the fun we had!!"
Sue Anyon and Alice Reaper
From Sue and Alice's press release, 19 July 2017:
This week's poster of "I…", Series Four, features Veterans, mother and daughter, Sue Anyon and Alice Reaper. Alice served as an MT driver for five years and is now retired. I asked Alice what advice she could share with those soon to become a Veteran:
"Wear your badge with pride".
Starting with "I…" I asked Alice to describe herself as a Veteran:
"I.... am proud to be called a veteran. Best thing I ever did.".
Sue served eight years as a Flight Operations Assistant and now works at a national retailer. Sue's advice for those about to become Veterans is this:
"…never forget your time served, be proud of what you achieved".
Starting with "I…" I asked Sue to also describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I... am proud of what I have become, I have done some silly stuff in my youth, but the RAF has helped mould me into the respectable woman I am today".
Sue and Alice’s poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Chris Catchpool
From Chris's press release, 19 July 2017:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran Chris Catchpool. Chris served for seventeen years in administration and is now a support worker caring for those experiencing all stages of dementia and providing essential end-of-life care, support and love.
I asked Alice what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"The Advice I would give to soon-to-be veterans is to believe in yourself. Take all of the experience and excellent training received whilst in the military and use to your advantage. We're disciplWe're motivated, loyal and committed so we can turn our hand to anything, and believe in yourself".
Starting with "I…" I asked Chris to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I am ...... so proud to be a veteran. I went from being a shy 17 year old who didn't venture out much, to a confident young woman very quickly. My career in the RAF has shaped me to become the person I am today. It taught me discipline, determination and how to respect others. My decision to join the forces was the best decision of my life and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The camaraderie is still present today, and even after thirty years, friendships and bonds are still as strong, and are kept going with the help of regular regional meets, reunions and a breakfast club. We all have one thing in common in that we served our Queen and it was a huge honour and the best thing I've ever done".
Nicky Hester
From Nicky's press release 2 August 2017:
A new month sees a new "I…" poster, and this week's poster features Veteran Nikki Hester. Nikki served as a Health Care Assistant with the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC), aka The Grey Mafia, for eight years. Nikki is a qualified trainer/ assessor in Health and Social Care but, due to disability, is unable to work.
I asked Nikki what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"There is support out there, use it".
Starting with "I…" I asked Nikki to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I… am proud to be a grey mafia veteran!"
Catherine Ruddick
From Catherine's press release 9 August 2017:
This week’s “I…” poster features GP Registrar and Veteran Catherine Ruddick. Catherine served firstly as a Navigator with the Royal Air Force (RAF) between 2000 and 2004 and then as a Doctor with the Army between 2011 and 2017.
Catherine was asked what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
“I’d advise soon to be veterans to prepare early, engage fully in resettlement and all the military support groups”.
Starting with “I…” I asked Catherine to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
“I… am proud to have served”.
Zoe Taylor
From Zoe's press release 17 August 2017:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran Zoe Taylor. Zoe served as a Personnel Administrator in the RAF, joining at 16 and serving for eight years. Zoe left the RAF in 1995 and is now Head of HR for BAE systems Naval Ships business in charge of HR for the offshore patrol vessel build programme and Operations Function.
Zoe was asked what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"The advice I would give is join LinkedIn and network like crazy....My last three roles have been found through my network. You are your own brand and you need to learn to market yourself accordingly".
Starting with "I…" I asked Zoe to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I am a veteran and I'm proud to be helping to build our next generation of ships for our Royal Navy and helping service veterans overcome PTSD through NLP and Hypnotherapy".
Zoe's poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Kes Bradley
From Kes's press release 23 August 2017:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran Kes Bradley. Kes served with the Army for seventeen years, initially as a Combat Medical Technician for three years. Kes then went on to be an Operating Department Practitioner. Kes was posted to several medical units nationwide and Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs) in England and Northern Ireland, working in surgical operating theatres.
I asked Kes what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"I still struggle now, and I was medically discharged at the end of December 2013. The hardest part was after the initial date. It seemed surreal, and I almost felt totally alone. If I had to speak to myself coming out now, I would say to keep close contact with all close mates I made in the Army. Not just on Facebook but to actually meet up regularly. I have not kept in contact as I was angry no-one came to see me while I was off sick for two years pre-discharge date. Maybe some of it was my fault, but I was in no place to seek contact with my mates. Now I spend most of my time at home.
I would advise to get the help and support in place before you leave. You're in the best place to get yourself tooled up for qualifications. Pick ones that will help you, not just for your next vocational job but a qualification that could help you with a hobby eg art, sports, teaching.".
Starting with "I…" I asked Kes to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I would describe myself as lonely. Artistic. Searching. My auntie says it seems I have a restless soul that keeps searching for something. I'm not settled in my heart and mind and I don't think PTSD helps in any shape or form.
I keep myself busy with my re-acquainted art hobby but I find myself losing the motivation very quickly. I just need to kick my own butt and motivate myself. Practice makes perfect.
I'm proud to be a veteran, though. Proud to have served my country when I was needed most. Proud to wear my Veteran Badge. Proud that I have pictures to remind me that things weren't always bad".
Julie McKinnon
From Julie's press release 30 August 2017:
This week's "I…" poster features Mother and Veteran Julie McKinnon. Julie served with the RAF Police for four years. Now living in Northern Ireland, Julie is a full-time mum to triplet boys and a daughter.
I asked Julie what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"There are a lot of ex-forces, vets groups, breakfast clubs in U.K. and further afield. If there isn't one in your local area, set one up. I set up a group for ex- WRAF's in Northern Ireland and Eire through Facebook. We currently have twenty-six members and the number is growing weekly. I did not serve with any of the ladies in the group but we have all become good friends over the last few years and meet up as often as possible. We are also in touch via our group frequently, to chat, support each other".
Starting with "I…" Julie was asked to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I am proud to have been a member of the RAF & RAF Police. I am very proud of the fact I am 3rd generation of military family but 1st generation to join RAF."
Julie's poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Dame Kelly Holmes
Today sees the release of the final Series Four poster. This series has featured twenty women, all of whom have been HM Veterans. To end the series, this week's "I…" poster features Veteran and Double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes.
Dame Kelly joined the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) as a HGV driver and was subsequently attached to the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT). After serving for nine and a half years, Dame Kelly transferred from the RCT to become a physical training instructor. Now working as a motivational speaker, Dame Kelly speaks to audiences worldwide and is also the founder and President of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. In addition to these interests, Dame Kelly is an ambassador for many other charities and a successful business owner.
I asked Dame Kelly what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"Remember all the skills you have gained through your service, the people you have met that enabled you to integrate which is the biggest challenge in civil street. Don't lose contact with people who have been part of your life whilst serving. Look for hobbies that will keep you motivated and happy" .
Starting with "I…" Dame Kelly was asked to describe how see saw herself as a Veteran:
"I always strive to be the best version of myself".
Series Four Compilation Poster
This poster features the faces of the twenty veterans who kindly volunteered to be a part of I... Series Four.
Series Four
Promotional Posters
With the project firmly established with a range of promotional posters, I felt it best to try and keep series posters simple, the two posters shown right were also included in the lead up to and used for the duration of Series Four.
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