Series Five
The last hurrah!
Series Five was intended to be the final "I…" series. Since 1 July 2015, "I…" had sought to show an everyday face to HM Veterans, a face beyond the familiar stereotypes of medals, later life & charitable portrayals. From an RNLI Volunteer to an Olympic champion, every HM Veteran featured has shared an insight into their past & present and providing tips to those who will become tomorrow's Veterans.
As with all series, Series 5 featured twenty HM Veterans; at its conclusion, the whole project will have featured over one hundred HM Veterans.
The Faces of I... Series Five
Below are the twenty posters and stories that featured in Series Five of I...
Gary Pickford
From Gary's press release, 13 December 2017:
To start this final series, this week's "I…" poster features Veteran Gary Pickford. Gary served with the RAF for thirty-seven years as an Air Traffic Controller. Now working as a Flying Training Operations Manager, I asked Gary what advice he could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"My advice would be Networking. It is the most successful way of gaining employment post-military service".
Starting with "I…" Gary was asked to describe how he saw himself as a Veteran:
"I am proud to have served my Queen and Country and will, wherever possible, continue to do so as a Veteran".
Gary’s poster was kindly shared by Veterans UK.
Jan Kaur Robertson
From Jans's press release, 20 December 2017:
This week's "I…" poster features Army Veteran, retired Professor and military historian.
Jan Kaur Robertson. Jan served with Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) in the 1960s where in 1966, Jan was awarded Nurse of the Year. Now living in Canada, Jan's story proves anything is possible when you leave HM Services;
"I started off a student nurse, then qualified as a State Certified Midwife and finished off retiring as a University Professor".
Jan Kaur Robertson's contribution to Sikh military history is unparalleled. Her extensive research has led to several papers, earning her a place in the Indian Ex-Servicemen Society of British Columbia as the only female member. Her work was recognized with the Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, a testament to her dedication, even while battling Breast Cancer. The Sikh community, in gratitude for her efforts, bestowed upon her the title Kaur.
I asked Jan what she enjoyed about her time serving with the QARANC and what being a Veteran meant to her.
"Well needless to say I enjoyed the camaraderie in the forces. With Veterans we are all the children of different mothers....brothers and sisters, and the bond is close. We look out for each other and we speak the same language. I was proud to serve Queen and Country and would do it again in a heartbeat".
Jan remains active in supporting her local Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Quesnel, British Columbia & continues her energetic research of Sikhs in wartime, as well as regularly presents different topics of interest of the First and Second World Wars to the public.
Sally and Simon Rees
From Sally and Simon's press release, 27 December 2017
This week's "I…" posters features RAF Veteran and Operating Department Practitioner Sally Rees, who is pictured with her husband and fellow RAF Veteran Simon. Sally and Simon met at RAF Halton in 1988 when Sally was a trainee, and they've been married for twenty-six years. Sally then served in the Dental Branch for twenty-two years, whilst Simon served in Personnel Administration for thirty years and now works as a cabinet policy and support officer.
I asked Sally what advice she could share with those soon to become Veterans:
"Best advice would be to have an idea what you want to do and get the most out of being in before you leave, because it's a tough old world out here!"
Starting with "I…" Sally was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I… Sally Rees Operating Department Practitioner am a Veteran".
Sarah Kerr
From Sarah's press release, 3 January 2018:
This week's "I…" poster, our first of 2018, features Veteran Sarah Kerr. Sarah served fifteen years with the RAF as a supplier before becoming a therapist. I asked Sarah what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"For those about to leave the service I'd say. Never forget that your service life made you the person you are today. The knowledge, skills and discipline you have are invaluable to take you forward to the next phase of your life. Be proud of who you are and where you have come from. Don't ever be afraid to ask for support or help the service family will always support you. Nothing is impossible".
I then asked Sarah to describe how she feels as a Veteran:
"I loved every moment of my time served in the Royal Air Force. As a Veteran I still feel proud to be part of a special family who continue to look out for each other".
Neil Everrett
From Neil's press release, 10 January 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran & University Site Manager Neil Everett. Neil initially joined the Light Infantry (LI) before transferring to the Royal Military Police (RMP), serving the colours for nineteen years. I asked Neil what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"I would advise that before you leave get a trade and transfer all your Military Qualifications into Civilian Qualifications. Make sure your CV and Covering Letter are completed".
I also asked Neil to describe how he feels as a Veteran:
"I would describe my life as a Vet as a privileged one. I have served in many different countries and met some fantastic people. People I still meet up with and reacquaint. I see civilians, they are proud of yours and my service".
Jo Milmine
From Jo's press release, 17 January 2018:
This week, our "I…" poster features RAF Veteran and online business strategist and podcasting coach Jo Milmine. Jo joined the RAF as a Weapons Controller in the Operation Support Branch and served for six years.
I asked Jo what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Don't feel as though you need to go down the standard financial services/project management/defence contractor route. Your unique blend of skills and ability to work in challenging conditions gives you a big advantage; don't be afraid to try something a bit different and see where it leads you. It's all a learning experience".
I asked Jo to describe how she feels as a Veteran:
I'm proud to have served in the Royal Air Force. Helping my fellow veterans and military spouses build successful businesses that fit around Service life is incredibly rewarding".
Luke Gaffney
From Luke's press release, 24 January 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Royal Navy Veteran and English Language Teacher Luke Gaffney. Luke joined the Royal Navy as a chef, serving for six years.
I asked Luke what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"I recommend that you start to think about how the skills you've learned in the Forces can be applied in other areas, and not just in the obvious way. For example, the nature of military life means that you're often having to quickly adapt to changing situations, an invaluable skill for an employee to have".
I asked Luke to describe how he saw himself as a Veteran:
"I'm a veteran and that fact will be an indelible part of my character for the rest of my life. Being a Matelot shaped my outlook, values, and attitude and will stand me in good stead in the years to come".
Alison Dale
From Alison's press release, 31 January 2018:
This week, our "I…" poster features Royal Air Force Veteran and Doctors Receptionist Alison Dale. Serving from 1979 to 1988, Alison was posted throughout the United Kingdom and Germany, including Rhiendahlen. Alison was posted on promotion to RAFC Cranwell, where her sister was also serving. It was at RAFC Cranwell Alison met Rick, and they later married on camp.
I asked Alison what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Be open minded, and join in the local activities".
I then asked Alison to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I am Alison an ex WRAF, married to Rick who I met at Cranwell. I love life and try not to waste any day".
Dave Butterfield
From Dave's press release, 7 February 2018:
This week's "I…" poster showcases an update to the project from Royal Air Force Veteran David Butterfield. David served for ten years as an Engineering Technician (Airframes) and is now an RNLI Crew Member and volunteer aircraft restorer. His recent involvement in dismantling, moving, and restoring Phantom F4 Black Mike with British Phantom Aviation Group for RAF100 celebrations has been a source of immense satisfaction. David's new experiences with the RNLI have proven to be "Enormously rewarding and [the RNLI] has brilliant team ethos."
I asked David what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Prepare, plan, and prepare the plan to fail! Your ability to evolve into any situation and activity is your strongest attribute".
I then asked how David saw himself as a Veteran:
"I embrace everything good and bad I learned through my Military experience working with some of the finest people from around the world. Taking these skills forward has certainly opened many doors".
Sharon Russell
From Sharon's press release, 14 February 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Royal Air Force Veteran Sharon Russell. Sharon served as a nurse with the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) for twenty-two years. Now working as a Community Children's Nurse in North Devon, I asked Sharon what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"I would advise anyone leaving the forces to make the most of all the resettlement training available to them and to focus on their transferable skills which are Abundant in us military types and we sometimes don't recognise in ourselves".
I then asked Sharon to describe herself as a Veteran:
"I am a veteran proud to have served. I was born in Devon but just like they say in the advert I was made in the Royal Air Force. I left with so many skills, life long friends and fantastic memories. I would do it all again tomorrow."
Trevor Richards
From Trevor's press release, 21 February 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Royal Military Police (RMP) Veteran Trevor Richards. Trevor served with the RMP for twenty-two years, becoming a Chief Clerk. When the Adjutants General Corps was formed, Trevor transferred, spending the last four years in the Adjutant General's Corps Staff & Personnel Support Branch (AGC (SPS)). Now working in Human Resources as a senior advisor, I asked Trevor what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Trust in your own abilities, you know more than you think you do. You have a lot of transferable skills that are highly sought after".
I then asked Trevor to describe himself as a Veteran:
"I am a Veteran and am proud of my military service an,d it has stood me in good stead for my second career. The sense of humour never leaves you and with the advent of social media it is possible to keep in touch with the life long friends that I made. Because of that I know that I am never alone no matter what these damned civilians do!"
Loz Tilston-Broookes
From Loz's press release, 14 March 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features RAF Telephonist Veteran Loz Tilston-Brookes and her assistance dog Doris. Doris is a trained assistance Leonberger who helps support Loz day-to-day. Leonbergers are renowned for their gentle temperament and unique sensitivity, making them ideal assistance dogs. Loz kindly shared a brief insight into her past, present and future:
"My paternal grandfather was in the Army and my dad was a petty officer in the Navy, so I decided to join the WRAF, I joined in July 1983 as a telephonist and had the best time ever, serving in Wiltshire and Germany, if I had my time again I would make sure I served for longer than the six years that I did. On returning to the UK I became an officer of HM Customs and Excise, retiring with ill health due to a back injury sustained while in the WRAF. I am happily now back in Wiltshire, being helped by my assistance dog Doris, who has also just been assessed as a therapy dog too so I hope to visit other veterans in the community living in residential or nursing home".
Barbara Anne Clough
From Barbara Anne's press release, 28 March 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features RAF Veteran Barbara Anne Clough. Barbara's career in the RAF spanned an important period in world history and one she shared with me:
"I served from 1959 until 1969, with a break in between, I did a tour of Germany when the wall went up and later a tour in Aden, having fun in the sun whilst avoiding mortars bombs in the sea. I'm now a Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma and am busy with RAFA WRAF branch, the RBL and thoroughly enjoying life. I believe my time in the RAF made me who I am".
Claire Osterberg
From Claire's press release, 4 April 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features RAF Veteran Claire Osterberg. Claire served as a medic for twelve years and is now a compliance manager for a GP practice. Recently, Claire took the plunge and set up her own photography business. I asked Claire what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Be prepared "or the culture shock when you leave; the civilian world is somewhat different from what you are used to. Remember, you have a lot to offer!"
Starting with "I…" Claire was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
“ I... am a proud, slightly stubborn veteran, taking on one day at a time to make my dreams a reality”.
Yvonne Trimble
From Yvonne's press release, 11 April 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran Yvonne Trimble. As an assistant Air Traffic Controller, Yvonne served in the WRAF for nine years (1975-84). After leaving the WRAF, Yvonne became a Senior Officer of HM Customs and Excise. During her service, Yvonne worked in locations as diverse as Ecuador, Ukraine, and the Caribbean. Her main task was to support governments in their drug interdiction efforts. Retiring in her early 40s, Yvonne now spends time adventuring around the world. So, what are Yvonne's plans for the coming year?
"This year will see me visit Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Denmark, travel from Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Mongolian Express, & spend a week in North Korea."
I asked Yvonne what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Hard work and networking will always pay off and when you reach your pinnacle, don't pull the ladder up behind you; always be prepared to give those coming up a helping hand. Take advantage of every opportunity the service gives you to obtain knowledge and experience before you leave, including all the resettlement options you are entitled to. None of it will be wasted and you've earned it".
Starting with "I…" Yvonne was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I....am proud to be part of a family that has contributed so much to the Royal Air Force. Between us, my mum, dad, husband and I have served for seventy of the RAF's one-hundred years".
Paula Knott
From Paula's press release, 18 April 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran and Invictus Games hopeful Paula Knott. Paula served as an administrator with the RAF for five years before an injury sustained whilst on duty ended her service. Paula is now focusing on getting fit for selection into the next Invictus squad. I asked Paula what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Keep in contact with your service pals because they are the best friendships".
Starting with "I…" Paula was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"Well, there is only one answer for that one... I am Invictus".
Andy McWilliams
From Andy's press release, 2 May 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran Tree Surgeon Andy McWilliams. Andy served for thirteen and a half years in the 1st Battalion, the Light Infantry and then The Rifles. Andy is currently working as a tree surgeon and looking to start his own company. I asked Andy what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"With regards to the advice I would give; make sure you know what you want to do and make a plan for how to get there, but have a backup plan as well, as not all career training is ELC registered. As an example, there are no providers for tree surgeon training at all and I have had to apply for funding from elsewhere to cover the cost which is into the thousands".
Starting with "I…" Andy was asked to describe how he saw himself as a Veteran:
"I… am determined to succeed!"
Suzanne Wagg
From Suzanne's press release, 21 May 2018:
This week's "I…" poster features Veteran and Student Counsellor Suzanne Wagg. Suzanne served as an administrator in the RAF for twelve years. Suzanne is currently on placement as a student counsellor and a Learning Support Mentor at an all-boys grammar school. I asked Suzanne what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Don't underestimate the skills you picked up in Service, and the end of your career in the military is not the end of everything, particularly if, like me, you are faced with an unexpected medical discharge. By all means, cherish your memories but focus on the future too".
Starting with "I…" Suzanne was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I... am eternally grateful for the resilience and "can do" attitude the military instilled in me.
My hobby...running and raising funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research, who supported me loads".
Paul Owen
From Paul's press release, 30 May 2018:
Our "I…" poster features Veteran and Engagement and Wellbeing Manager Paul Owen this week. Paul served in the RAF for twenty-two years in Personnel Support, attaining the rank of Sergeant before leaving in 2015. Paul is now an Engagement and Wellbeing Manager in the Third Sector. Paul's role is to;
"… basically ensure the employees with a business are looked after and happy in the workplace, promoting Mental Health Support, Wellbeing advice and the like".
I asked Paul what advice he had for those soon to become Veterans:
"Prepare as early as you can, build up a network of both military and non military contacts. Back up you skills with qualifications if you can and embrace the changes heading your way. The military skill set we all have will ensure you are soon establishing yourself in the civilian workplace".
Paul was asked to describe how he saw himself as a Veteran:
"I am proud to be a military veteran, my RAF career gave me the life and career skills to continue to grow and succeed after my life in uniform."
Edwina Jones
From Edwina's press release, 6 June 2018:
This week sees the release of the final "I…" poster for Series Five, and the one-hundredth face of the project belongs to Student Teacher Edwina Jones. Edwina joined the RAF in 1974 and served as a Steward for six years. After losing her job, Edwina decided at sixty-one to use her degree and retrain as an English teacher. I asked Edwina what advice she had for those soon to become Veterans:
"What advice would I give to anyone about to leave? Take all those life skills you have learned in the forces into civilian life and use them to your best advantage because no one can take that from you".
Edwina was asked to describe how she saw herself as a Veteran:
"I am a veteran and I never give up trying".
International Womens Day 2018
We…are Veterans
To celebrate International Women’s Day in 2018 and the role of women in HM Armed Forces, past, present and future, a special “I…” montage featuring all the ladies from Series One to Five was created
From STEM teachers to community volunteers, from mothers to the daughters of Veterans, each face represented a Veteran who volunteered to fulfil a vital role in the defence of their country and serve both at home and abroad. Often serving tours of duty in dangerous and challenging environments, far away from loved ones, each face represents not only a Veteran but a woman willing to give her all for her country.
“Some Veterans are also Women, Daughters and Mothers”
Series Five
Promotional Posters
This poster was included in the lead up to and used for the duration of Series Five of I....
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