Soldiering On Awards: Bringing Inspirational Stories To Life

 

 

It is both an honour and a privilege to lead the Soldiering On Awards and bring to life fascinating, inspirational stories from across the wider military family, stories that are multifaceted, like the people behind them.

The issue of equality lies close to my heart and, while there is more to be done in the years ahead, it is rewarding to see the diversity that is represented in the Armed Forces community being mirrored in our Soldiering On Awards finalists.

It pained me greatly to miss this year’s finale, for health reasons. However, I was cheered enormously by the powerful and emotive feedback received from finalists, supporters, performers, and in the media. The awards continue to evolve, year on year, and while it seems impossible that we will top each event, the nominees and their incredible stories ensure that we do.

We were thrilled to have presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine return to host the 13th edition of the awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on Wednesday 27th September, where twelve diverse categories were showcased and a winner in each was announced. For me, when we reach the finale of the Soldiering On Awards, the difference between the finalists is infinitesimal – truly, they are all winners.

It means so much to everyone involved to have ministerial and military leaders gather to celebrate outstanding achievements within the community and praise the enduring sense of service and valuable contributions made by its members to the benefit of society.

Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, in his address, recognised the military community’s contribution to the nation, highlighting the role played by the awards in ‘lifting the lid’ on their remarkable achievements.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, opened the award announcements with praise for the collaborative theme running through the evening, the shared sense of purpose, and the tireless dedication of the nominees, finalists and winners.

High profile veterans sent lovely video messages, including adventurer Bear Grylls OBE, pilot and astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG, and ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Chief Instructor Billy Billingham MBE QCB, and actress Vicki Michelle MBE.

General the Lord Dannatt – who, with Debra Allcock-Tyler, is Co-Chair of Judges – underlined the unbelievably challenging nature of the task our judging panel faces each year as he completes a long commitment in his role

My profound thanks go to them all, as well as to the wonderful performers who entertained our guests: Soprano Christina Johnston; the Corps of Drums of the Royal Logistic Corps; former Royal Marine Saxophonist Ryan Truzzi-Franconi; Army Cadet Pipe Major Harry Gordon; and live band ‘What The Funk’ fronted by Army Reserves Captain Dr Andie Mitchell-Johnson.

I must also express my gratitude to our fantastic category partners and supporters – without their ongoing commitment these awards would simply not be possible. Of course, this commitment extends beyond the awards themselves, reaching across the Armed Forces community, in recognition of the vital role they play in our society.

I am grateful to the Ministry of Defence for their support. They recognise the importance of what the awards represent, in highlighting the lived experience of those who take something good and make it great, tackle a challenge and provide a solution, not just for the Armed Forces but for the betterment of the country as a whole.

Here’s to the 2024 Soldiering On Awards!