Brize Issue 6 2025 by Lance Media Group

Fee free independent, whole of market, mortgage & military protection advice exclusively for serving HM Forces, veterans & Forces families. If you need advice on any of the following, please send an enquiry via info@affs.co.uk or visit www.affs.co.uk.

Forces Help to Buy

First time buyer mortgages

Home mover mortgages

Remortgages

BFPO address history

Consent to let

Life insurance

Serious illness cover

Family protection cover

AFFS are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) & we are delighted to provide our services under “find a broker” service agreed by BIBA via the Armed Forces Covenant Agreement.

We are also Directly Authorised Independent Financial Advisers & all ex-military.

AFFS is a trading name of TIMC Independent Financial Advisers Limited which is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (439451)

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

info@affs.co.uk or visit www.affs.co.uk

Whether it’s a quick question or you need to arrange a mortgage, PFL Mortgages are here to help. We offer flexible appointments to work around your busy schedule.

We work with all the top UK lenders, offering hundreds of deals, including exclusive rates not available on the High Street.

At PFL Mortgages, we are passionate about giving back to the military community.

This is why alongside signing the Armed Forces Covenant and donating to SSAFA for every mortgage we complete, we are also proud sponsors of BrizeFest 2024 & RAF Brize Norton Families Day 2025 as well as the RAF Brize Norton A400 Football Team, Atlas Force.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor Ms Anita Jack

Editorial Team Mrs Bev Masters

Editorial Contact 51⁰ North Magazine

RAF Brize Norton Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX

Email: bzn-51degreesnorth@mod.gov.uk

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COMMUNITY

ADVENTURE & SPORT

E DITOR’S FOREWORD

As the year draws to a close, we welcome you to our final 2025 Edition of 51 Degrees North, RAF Brize Norton’s Station Magazine.

As we approach the festive season, life at RAF Brize Norton continues at full speed. Aircraft come and go around the clock, carrying people, equipment and hope to every corner of the world. Yet even in the middle of this constant motion, there’s a special sense of reflection and camaraderie that arrives with Christmas.

This edition celebrates not only the spirit of the season, but also the extraordinary spirit that defines both our station and the wider community. Whether on deployment, on duty or at home, every member of the RAF Brize Norton family contributes to something far greater – ensuring the RAF’s mission continues, whatever the time of year.

Inside these pages, you will find stories that capture the heart of our station,

service dedication, humour and heart. From festive gatherings to operational milestones, this issue shines a light on the people who make RAF Brize Norton what it is – a place of excellence, pride and family.

As we say goodbye to 2025 and prepare to welcome 2026, we will carry forward the same sense of unity and purpose that defines our station. To each and every one you, thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. Without you, this magazine would not be the success it is.

From everyone at RAF Brize Norton, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Lang may yer lum reek. See you all in 2026,

Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North

DEADLINE

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 5TH FEB

Your article should aim to be between 300-500 words in length, with a high resolution picture over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named and that you provide the author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.

Norwegian Armed Forces visit Tactical Medical Wing

Medical personnel from the Norwegian Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, part of the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, visited the RAF’s Tactical Medical Wing at RAF Brize Norton.

During the visit, TMW personnel showcased the UK’s Air Transportable Isolator (ATI) capability and demonstrated how patients are moved across multiple airframes, highlighting the Wing’s flexibility and operational reach. The Norwegian team presented their Mission Crew Director model, offering insight into how they coordinate and manage multiple-patient loads during complex aeromedical evacuations.

The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation and share best practice in aeromedical evacuation between the UK and Norway. The Norwegian contingent brought valuable operational experience from their role in large-scale patient evacuations from Ukraine, while the TMW team shared UK expertise in AE delivery, airframe configuration, and specialist containment capability. The visit enhanced mutual understanding, reinforced both nation’s ability to work together, and further cemented the partnership between both aeromedical evacuation communities.

Flight Lieutenant Winfield organised the visit. She said:

“Hosting our Norwegian counterparts was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with one of Europe’s most capable AE teams. Their recent operational experience, particularly in large-scale patient movement, offered valuable lessons, while we were equally able to share our own approaches to aeromedical delivery, airframe configuration, and capability development. Visits like this ensure both nations continue to learn from each other and remain ready to operate seamlessly alongside our allies when called upon.”

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XXIV Squadron Celebrate 110th Anniversary with Royalty

On Thursday, 9th October, XXIV Squadron officially celebrated its 110th anniversary with a day of visits and festivities, marking over a century of distinguished service, commitment, and dedication.

As the fourth most senior Squadron in the RAF, this milestone reflects a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire.

Founded on 1 September 1915, XXIV Squadron has played a pivotal role in RAF history. From its early days in the Combat Air role over the Western Front during the First World War, to a communications and training unit in the post-war years, the Squadron has continually evolved. Today, as the Operational Conversion Unit for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Airbus A400M Atlas C1, XXIV Squadron is a cornerstone of the RAF’s Air Mobility capability. It delivers cutting-edge training to new pilots and loadmasters while producing certified engineers for the A400M, ensuring the RAF remains ready to meet global challenges.

To mark this important occasion, we were honoured to welcome Her Royal

Highness, The Princess Royal. During her two-hour visit, she met many of the exceptional men and women who embody the Squadron’s ethos and toured key facilities, including the A400M Cargo Hold Trainer Equipment and the A400M Atlas Full Motion Simulator, gaining insight into the vital training which the Squadron delivers.

In a moment of great pride, Her Royal Highness presented a Meritorious Service Medal to Master Aircrew David Russell, recognising over 32 years of exemplary service, and a King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air to Flight Lieutenant Mike Howell for his crew’s heroic efforts in saving 14 fishermen during a South Atlantic Search and Rescue operation. She also unveiled a commemorative plaque, a lasting tribute to this historic occasion and her visit.

From 30 May to 01 June, a Royal Air Force Globemaster (C-17) aircraft and crew from 99 Squadron conducted a training exercise across the Caribbean as part of the UK’s annual hurricane preparedness initiative in support of Operation Ventus.

The recce included stops in Barbados, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, with the primary aim of assessing the suitability of each location to receive humanitarian aid in the event of a natural disaster. With hurricane season fast approaching, this mission plays a critical role in ensuring the UK and its partners in the region are ready to respond quickly and effectively should the need arise.

The Globemaster is ideally suited for humanitarian operations, capable of transporting large volumes of aid, equipment, and personnel across long

99 Squadron Enhances Hurricane Preparedness in the Caribbean

distances at short notice. Its ability to operate in austere, remote, and often challenging airfields makes it an essential asset in responding to crises in island nations where runways may be short, infrastructure limited, and access constrained.

Landing such a large aircraft in these restricted and isolated locations is no small feat; it requires detailed planning, practiced crews, and intimate knowledge of the local terrain. These flights provide an insight that could

prove vital when time is limited during a disaster response.

For 99 Squadron, this exercise underscores a core part of their mission: readiness. The Squadron prides itself on being prepared to operate anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

Exercises like this strengthen regional resilience and reaffirm the UK’s ongoing commitment to its Caribbean partners through continued collaboration and support.

RAF Brize Norton welcomes Eco Pioneers VIN + OMI

RAF Brize Norton was proud to welcome VIN + OMI for a day, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration.

Recognised as global ‘Eco Pioneers’, VIN + OMI specialise in sustainability in a wide range of fields, including research and development, consultation, education, fashion, and interior design. With over two decades of experience, they have partnered with high-profile figures and organisations such as King Charles III, The Savoy, Debbie Harry, and now RAF Brize Norton!

This partnership began earlier this year when the Station Environmental Protection Officer (SEPO) was approached by VIN + OMI to donate waste materials for their London Fashion Week catwalk. A striking garment, created from a repurposed parachute, was featured as the show’s grand finale, attracting worldwide attention from leading media outlets.

Since then the SEPO has

worked to strengthen ties with VIN + OMI, who are enthusiastic about expanding their collaboration with RAF Brize Norton. During their recent visit, they presented their innovative work and ethos to the whole force. The visit also included a tour of the Station, including a tour of the A400 and the Waste Yard, which afforded opportunities to identify reducing waste and fostering sustainable practices, as well as discussing ways we can involve our local community in future initiatives.

We are already planning to launch simple initiatives, such as collecting tin cans and plastic bottles for repurposing, with larger projects set to be unveiled in the coming months. We encourage all personnel to think about possible projects and contact SEPO via BZN-SHSA-EP@mod.gov.uk with any ideas that can be put forward to VIN + OMI.

Watch this space, get involved, and help make a difference!

Industry and Air Power Unite at RAF Brize Norton

Innovation met inspiration at RAF Brize Norton on 2 October 2025, as No.1 Group’s Industry Day and Awards Evening brought together Royal Air Force personnel and Defence Industry Partners for a dynamic showcase of collaboration, capability, and future ambition. From the outset, Air Vice-Marshal Jackson, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, set a powerful tone — unveiling a realistic conflict scenario that challenged both the RAF and industry to think, adapt, and act as one team in the face of a rapidly changing threat environment. The scenario underscored a clear message: national security depends on seamless partnership between air power and innovation.

Across the airfield, static displays from the Combat Air, ISTAR, Air Mobility, and Air and Space Warfare forces turned concepts into conversations — with engineers, aviators, and industry leaders standing shoulder to shoulder, discussing how today’s systems must evolve to meet tomorrow’s demands.

The highlight for many, however, came later - RAF Brize Norton’s first flying display in nearly a decade. An A400M Rapid Air Assault captured the imagination of all present, as the aircraft performed a short landing and reverse manoeuvre before deploying troops from 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment. The paratroopers advanced on electric bikes and vehicles, symbolising the modern, agile, and sustainable force that is emerging across Defence. The Red Arrows

followed with precision and pride, before a Typhoon’s raw power closed the display in spectacular fashion showcasing rapid take-off, acceleration, and powerful 9G turns — a fitting symbol of the RAF’s cutting edge.

The event’s success was built on meticulous planning, teamwork,

and assurance, supported by the Flying Display Safety Committee and RAF Brize Norton personnel, whose professionalism ensured safety at every stage. Special thanks go to the local community for their cooperation in minimising congregation around the station. The buzz even reached local schools, where children watched wideeyed as air power returned to their skies.

As the sun set, attention turned to the 1 Group Awards Evening in the Officers’ Mess — a celebration of excellence across the Group. From Air Mobility Force innovators to frontline operators, the night honoured those who embody the ethos of “Agility, Readiness, and Resolve”.

Sqn Ldr Doyle, BZN 1 Gp Industry Day ProjO

Logistics Squadron Memorial Garden open

It is with pride that Logistics Squadron at RAF Brize Norton have completed their garden, a dedicated space created to honour and remember personnel whilst offering a peaceful place for reflection, healing and connection.

Designed by personnel on the Squadron, the space reflects the Station's commitment to remembrance, resilience and togetherness.

The garden was made possible through whole Squadron support, in their own time. Their contributions ensure that the garden will serve as a lasting tribute.

Flt Lt E R McCallum said:

“It has been genuinely impressive to see this project come to fruition; starting as a Tea Bar project and escalating to a completely redefined

social and memorial space. Through the drive and determination of our Squadron personnel, led in great part by A/Sgt Wright, it has culminated in an area that Logs personnel can rightly take a great deal of pride in. I wholeheartedly commend the numerous sections and contractors who leaned in to assist the Sqn, and without their help, this project would not have been possible”

This project has shown the quality and character of JNCOs and Aviators, demonstrating their ethos by undertaking a project that benefits everyone within the Sqn for years to come.

A/Sgt Wright added:

“The memorial garden stands as a testament to the fact that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we work together. Through the generosity of service personnel and contractors across the Station, and with contributions of time and spare materials, the memorial garden evolved beyond its original design into a space of greater beauty and significance.”

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4624 Movements Squadron RAuxAF Wins RAF Reserves Top Unit Award

No. 4624 Movements Squadron RAuxAF have been honoured for their outstanding efforts and continuous support to global operations with The Robins Trophy.

The Robins Trophy is awarded to the RAuxAF Unit who’ve done most to improve the good name and efficiency of the RAuxAF during the year. Presented to Officer Commanding 4624 Squadron, Wing Commander Evans by Director Reserves, Air Vice-Marshal Lincoln at the RAuxAF Conference at RAF Henlow in Oct 25.

4624 Squadron is unique in tempo of activity, operating 5 days a week, 42 weekends a year. Widely acknowledged for excellent integration with the Regular Force and high levels of continuous support globally, the breadth and reach of squadron activity during 2024 and 2025 was remarkable and included 31 mobilisations. Through ubiquitous presence and professional excellence at home and abroad, personnel constantly portrayed the RAuxAF as a vital, valued element of the Service and society, positively influencing military and civilian communities.

Congratulations to everyone on the Squadron.

Officer Commanding 4624 Squadron, Wing Commander Evans said:

“This award recognises the remarkable contribution the Squadron delivers day in-day out and the exceptional people who make it happen. It’s their commitment, professionalism, enthusiasm and team spirit that won us this award, and I could not be prouder of all of them.”

RAF Brize Norton Honours Remembrance Day

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleven month, the whole force at RAF Brize Norton paused in silence to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in pursuit of peace and freedom.

Their legacy endures in the values we uphold and the peace we all strive to protect.

Remembrance Day, across the world, is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served our country with bravery. As we paid tribute to the fallen, we also recognised the veterans and active serving personnel who continue to serve through their continued commitment; a timely reminder that peace and freedom must never be taken for granted.

Members of the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team, based at RAF Brize Norton, are currently training in Newport, California, USA. On 9 November,

they stood alongside Parachute School members from the German Army for an Act of Remembrance Ceremony. Throughout Remembrance Weekend, our personnel joined local veterans, councils, cadets and local communities as they came together to pay their respects. Below are 4 images from the Carterton Act of Remembrance:

When you go home Tell them of us and say, “For your tomorrow we gave our today” Lest we forget

Carterton.

Brize Norton village memorial.

Bampton. Witney.

Slaughters Manor

GL54 2HP

25th Jan 2026

11am - 3pm WITNEY WEDFEST St Mary's Church Witney OX28 4AW 28th Feb 2026 11am - 3pm

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- Eicr Domestic and Commercial

- Fault finding and repairs

- Replacement fuse boards

- Boiler wiring

- Data cabling installations

- Fully insured and Part P registered

- Data cabling installations

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- Domestic, Commercial and

- Industrial installations

- Domestic, Commercial and Industrial installations

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- Domestic, Commercial and Industrial installations

- Solar PV and Battery Storage

Cotswold WedFest CIC was founded in November 2022 following the after effects of Covid-19. Like many businesses, the wedding industry was heavily impacted and a large proportion of independent wedding suppliers are individuals working without a team. This was a very lonely and challenging time both mentally and financially. The WedFest was founded to offer a supportive network for local wedding businesses, providing a platform to socialise and collaborate. We shine a light on these local wedding businesses and encourage couples who are embarking on their wedding journey to support reputable, trusted and valued suppliers in their local area.

The Cotswold WedFest is a growing, thriving and welcoming membership and some great collaborations have taken place since 2022. The 15th November marked the Cotswold WedFest’s 10th wedding fair since its inception. They are great events to attend and we ensure we stick to our ethos of supporting suppliers whilst offering a fun, friendly and informative event for couples.

To find out more about us, join as a member, or to look for our next wedding fair, please visit: www.cotswoldwedfest.co.uk or @cotswoldwedfest

Cotswold WedFest CIC

Defence Road Safety Awards

Royal Air Force Brize Norton has been recognised at the Defence Road Safety Awards for its continued work in improving the safety standards on the roads across the Station.

This recognition reflects the outstanding station-wide effort to improve our safety culture with contributions from across the unit.

Squadron Leader Masters is the Officer in Charge of the Road Safety Committee. He said:

“It was a great honour to accept 3rd place in the Major Units category at this year’s Defence Road Safety Awards. A huge thank you to Team Brize Norton for your continued commitment to keeping our people safe.

"Your ideas and energy helped drive innovation and strengthen our safety-first mindset, we will continue to build on this success and lead by example across Defence. As a team we aim to keep momentum going and continue our endeavours for a safer Station.”

The team also engaged with the community, helping to run road safety events throughout the year including campaigns with a local school and supporting local villages around RAF Brize Norton in their speed awareness initiatives.

Squadron Leader Masters said "As Officer in Charge of the Road Safety Committee, it was a great honour to accept third place in the Major Units category at this year’s Defence Road Safety Awards. This recognition reflects the outstanding station-wide effort to improve our safety culture with contributions from across the unit. A huge thank you to Team Brize Norton for your continued commitment to keeping our people safe. We’re still looking for passionate volunteers to join the Road Safety Committee. If you’d like to help shape future initiatives and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!"

RAF Brize Norton celebrates outstanding success

On Friday 17th October 2025 RAF Brize Norton hosted its annual BRAVOS Awards evening.

The BRAVOS – Brize’s Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service, annually celebrates the successes and achievements of Station personnel across the Whole Force.

Serving personnel, civil servants and contractors at RAF Brize Norton were nominated in one of ten categories, which highlight the breadth and diversity of the achievements of personnel at the RAF’s largest base. The event recognises those whose

commitment and devotion make a positive difference to the Station and to the wider community. Sporting achievements, volunteering work and

operational commitments were all recognised at the awards ceremony.

Congratulations to everyone!

Padre's Piece

‘Without music, life would be a mistake.’

(Friedrich Nietzsche -German philosopher)

Having grown up in a musical family, learnt to play and read music from the age of 5, I find myself now in later life grateful that I had these opportunities to experience something of the nature of music. A tune can transcend any degree of emotion; a rhythm can express something that words only fail. Music has the ability to speak and communicate in such a way that can only leave us speechless.

My experience of learning music started for me in the church and so quickly became an expression of my faith as well as a social interest. Now when I think of God I hear a song and it’s a song that moves me, it has a melody, it has a groove, it has a certain rhythm. And it’s the same song that people have heard for thousands of years across continents and cultures and time periods. When people have heard it, they’ve found it captivating and want to hear more.

But if I’m honest I often struggle on occasion to hear this song, I struggle trying to understand God. And while there will always be people who say there is no song and deny the music, that does not stop the song from playing.

Some great musicians have existed across the centuries, Beethoven, The Beatles, U2 to name but a few and they’ve sought to connect with mankind through their talent. Yet perhaps the only musician I know who was best able to tug at the heart strings of humanity is that of Jesus. Why… because he showed us how to live in tune with the song which is playing all around us, all the time. Its playing everywhere, it’s written on our hearts because we were created with this song inside us and everybody is playing the song.

But I guess the most important question is can you hear it?

It’s written in the Bible that God gives us life and breath and everything else and is generous. So when I’m selfish and stingy and I refuse to give, I’m essentially out of tune with the song.

Now there are some who know the technical aspects of music so well that they can tell when something is out of pitch, off-key and even detect changes in tone. They may well appreciate nuances that others might miss but often they’re so caught up in the technicalities that they miss the sheer enjoyment of the song.

I’ve met Christians who seem to have it all together, they walk the walk, they talk the talk yet they can seem to be way out of tune. Conversely, I’ve met people who wouldn’t profess to have a faith, yet still exude those values of compassion, love and justice in them. Are they perhaps more in tune than we think?

So as you deal with the discords and harmonies of life, may you come to see that this song is already part of your DNA and as you live in tune with the song, in tune with the composer of the universe may you realise that you perhaps are closer to God than you think.

‘Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.’

(Martin Luther – German priest)

Padre Chris Carré Senior Chaplain RAF Brize Norton

4624 Squadron RAF Clay Shooting Championships-2025

Cpl Griffith- Jeans, a member of the RAF Brize Norton Clay Shooting Team, was awarded the Most Improved Shooter” award, which is presented to the individual who has shown the greatest improvement across all four disciplines. Along with the title, she received a trophy and commemorative glassware.

Cpl Griffiths-Jeans said:

“Around five years ago, I was introduced to clay target shooting by a Regular Service member, which sparked my interest in the sport.

We meet for practice and to compete in monthly competitions held across the country. The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) maintains a calendar of events, and the RAF Clay Shooting Association (RAF CPSA) is another excellent resource for anyone interested in getting started with clay shooting.

I’ve participated in the annual RAF Championships five times. This event is hosted at the Nottingham & District Gun Club, which also serves as the home ground for RAF Clay Shooting. The championships run over four days and include four different shooting disciplines. The competition is open to all levels of experience, and we’re fortunate to have a supportive community of experienced shooters who are always willing to offer advice and guidance.

Competitors are grouped into three classes A, B, and C for each discipline. I was proud to place third in C Class for Automatic Ball Trap (ABT), one of the fastest and most demanding disciplines, which requires sharp focus and quick reactions. I was again awarded glassware for this achievement.

This year was a particularly rewarding one for me. I was honoured to receive the “Most Improved Shooter” award, which is presented to the individual who has shown the greatest improvement across all four disciplines compared to the previous year. Along with the title, I received a trophy and commemorative glassware”

Clay shooting is just one of the many opportunities available to RAF reservists.

If anyone, experienced or novice, is interested in getting involved, those based at RAF Brize Norton can contact the OIC of the team, Sgt Polley. The team is open to Regulars, Reserves, and Veterans.

RAF Clay Shooting Champs – RAF Brize Norton Represent!

A fantastic showing from our Brize Norton personnel at the RAF Clay Shooting Championships, with top individual and team performances across all disciplines.

A total of 61 shooters took part, including 46 military personnel, and our team made a serious impact on the leaderboard!

Individual Highlights: Sporting

Sgt Wilson – C Class Winner Team: 2nd Place – WO Gaines, WO Perham, Sgt Wilson

DTL

WO Gaines – B Class Winner Team: 1st Place – WO Gaines, FS Millin, AS1 Hughes

Skeet

CT McGrath – C Class Winner Team: 1st Place – WO Gaines, CT McGrath, AS1 Hughes

ABT

Sgt Wilson – B Class Winner

AS1 Hughes – C Class Winner Team: 1st Place – FS Millin, Sgt Wilson, AS1 Hughes

Special Recognition: Cpl Griffiths-Jeans – Most Improved Shooter

Top Overall Placings for RAF Brize Norton:

5th – WO Gaines

7th – AS1 Hughes

10th – FS Millin

11th – Sgt Wilson

12th – Sgt Polley

14th – WO Perham

20th – Cpl Griffiths-Jeans

23rd – CT McGrath

24th – AS1 Colton

29th – AS1(T) Brown

Massive congratulations to all involved – an outstanding performance that reflects hard work, discipline, and sharp shooting. Eyes on the target for next year!

EX ATLAS PASSPORT 23 JUN 2025

EX ATLAS PASSPORT was a mountain biking force development expedition which took place in Porte Du Soleil which is a mountain bike haven located in the Alpes, France, bordering Switzerland.

The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest lift-assisted mountain biking areas in the world, offering over 600 km of marked trails across 12 resorts in France and Switzerland. It caters to all disciplines, including cross-country, enduro, and downhill, with a wide variety of trails for all skill levels. The area boasts 22 mountain bike lifts, allowing access to diverse terrain and stunning landscapes. A total of nine riders, of varying trades and ranks, all from RAF Brize Norton, participated in the ten day expedition, riding some of the best mountain bike trails in the entire world. On Sunday 29 June, six riders participated in the Passport Du Soleil which is an event that took place with a 120km route which travelled over the Swiss border and back into France with over 1000m of climbing. Completing this event gave us a great sense of accomplishment as it was such a challenging ride.

AS1 (T) Wakeley – “The trip was fantastic, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I cannot wait until something like this happens again. This really opens your eyes to what is available in the Air Force in terms of FD and AT”

Cpl Flint – “All in all, it was a brilliant escape. Morzine truly delivered an unforgettable experience, mixing progression, good vibes, and new friendships. Already counting down the days until we can hit those trails again.”

AS1 (T) – “Morzine just delivered the goods, big time. We rolled in for 5 straight days of mountain biking bliss and it was epic”

The RAF Association’s Connections for Life service aims to fight loneliness with friendship and for Squadron Leader Steve Jones, the joy of being a CfL volunteer came full circle.

Steve began his CfL journey in 2020 during the Coronavirus pandemic as he wanted to make sure that veterans in the local area were being cared for in a time of global uncertainty.

“I started making the calls and it ended up with me making over 700 phone calls during that year.

“As things calmed down, I found myself having regular calls with 12 veterans of different ages, just making sure they were ok, having chats about, not only their time in the service, but about all aspect of their lives. They made me feel like one of the family.

“It was hugely important to me that we made sure our veterans were well looked after.”

Having helped to make sure so many veterans were not left feeling isolated, Steve was then hit by a personal crisis of his own but was able to get through it thanks to the help and support of his beneficiaries.

“I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in April last year, after months of major surgery and stays in hospital, I then went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy and I was in touch with the RAFA team throughout,” he said.

“Unfortunately, during my treatment, I lost my voice, ability to eat or drink and swallow so I was not able to make my regular calls to my beneficiaries, but I was able to get messages to them via Alex my coordinator.

“I spent a month in hospital fighting for my life. Everybody was praying for me and the messages I was receiving from my beneficiaries through Alex gave me that extra strength to fight through. My family and I cannot thank them all enough for that support.

“In August, once I was home and starting to recover, I logged onto the system and read the messages where the veterans had been asking after me and wanting regular updates on my progress. That was a really special feeling to know that they were thinking about me.”

The Connections for Life service has been a useful tool for both Steve and the veterans he supports, and now they are all looking forward to a bright future with many stories still to be shared and laughs still to be had.

“Connections for Life is truly special because it doesn’t just focus on older veterans, it aims to look after veterans of all ages whether they’ve served for one day or 40 years,” he said.

“The interactions between us mean just as much to me as they do to the veterans. The support they gave me during the dark times of my illness showed just how much Connections for Life can benefit the volunteer as well as the beneficiary.”