Our Staff Remembers - DMWS

DMWS CEO Nicky Murdoch shares what Remembrance means to her as a 3rd generation veteran:

Many of our team members have first hand experience in what it means to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the nation. They are veterans of the Armed Forces, Police, and Reservists as well as military spouses and other frontline dependents. Here is what remembrance means to them, and some of our service users:

We should never forget the sacrifices made by the men and women who gave there lives, so we could live ours, and to the men and women who came back scarred from conflict. They need our support now and for the rest of there lives. 
Nathan Cumberland, DMWS Welfare Officer and late The Grenadier Guards

Remember those past and present that gave their lives for others and their country. I remember the friendships and hardships endured by family members, myself and mates. I know that we would go through it all again so that we could have a better life.  
DMWS Service User, 49, Ex-Signals 

On this Armistice Day I will be taking a special moment thinking of those who have fallen long ago, but also of friends, colleagues and patients who have made the ultimate sacrifice in recent years. It is my time to feel at peace, because although they are lost they will never be forgotten. 
Julie Ponton, DMWS Welfare Officer and Ex-Navy

For the first time in over 20 years I am attending the Remembrance Service as a veteran, having left the Army only recently. I am proud to be a Welfare Officer and able to support the Armed Forces community in Hereford. 
Mark Lucas, DMWS Welfare Officer, late Royal Logistic Corps and Reservist

I find it moving to think that I will be remembering 3 different generations at this year’s Armistice Day, my grandfather, my uncle and friends who are no longer with us. My most significant memories remain with those I’ve had the pleasure of serving with who were killed in the line of duty (Roger Willingale, Pete Clyne, Sharon Elliott, Matt Bacon, Jabron Hashmi to name a few). Lest We Forget. I will spend every second of my silence paying my dues through reflection and reminiscing about former good times and the times we spent together. 
Andy Riach, DMWS Welfare officer and Ex-Army 

Although we all come together on Sunday as a family of nations in a collective act of remembrance, for me and many who have served, this is a deeply personal time. As such at 11 o’clock I shall be at the War Memorial in my home village of Scone where the name of a Black Watch soldier know to me, is inscribed. ‘We will remember them’. 
Robert Reid, DMWS Area Manager Scotland and Overseas, late The Black Watch and Royal Regiment of Scotland

On Remembrance Day, I think not only of those who died in war, but also those who were wounded – physically and mentally – and families. I think of my grandfather (WW2), and father (Aden & Suez), who both served in the Royal Air Force, and inspired me, and of the lasting friendships I made throughout my service
Mark Perryman, DMWS Training Manager, Ex  Royal Air Force, Royal Auxiliary Air Force & Territorial Army

As a former reservist I always think of some of the great old veterans I’ve met from my TA days, especially my old friends from the Dunkirk Veterans, who sadly are no longer with us. It is a time to remember ALL emergency services who keep our nation safe. I will be thinking of fallen Police officers and lost colleagues, who gave their life in the line of duty. 
Andrew Robb, DMWS Welfare Officer, Ex Police Officer

Published: 16th November, 2017