Sadly we have to report the death of Wilf Emmerson, one of our dedicated case workers, during his six years uninterrupted service with ssafa he helped many veterans and their families overcome their difficulties and I am sure they will be as shocked as we were to learn of his demise, our thoughts are with his widow Chris and family.
As we remember Wilf, I remind you that on 29th June, Newtonians celebrate Armed Forces Day. The event is a chance to support our Armed Forces and remember the contribution they make to the nation. Whilst enjoying the celebrations, we should also remember the personal cost that is so often paid by our servicemen, women and their families.
It is also a good time to think of all of those who have served before in little mentioned conflicts in British Honduras Cyprus Kenya, Rhodesia, Borneo and Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Palestine, Suez.
Next month is the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War. It was a conflict that cost the lives of 1,139 British Service personnel from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Thousands of others were imprisoned or injured. Many of those who fought were National Servicemen, young men called up for duty without option. For many of those who served, the mental and physical wounds of this so-called “forgotten war” have left life long scars
SSAFA is here for all those who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces, regardless of conflict. The network of trained volunteers, including our Sedgefield Division Branch, work locally to make sure that help is always close at hand.
Due to expansion we now have more vacancies for volunteers if you would like to find out more about the help we offer or would like to become a volunteer for SSAFA, please call (01325) 314043 in confidence
Brian Crawford Wilson
Divisional Secretary
Sedgefield Division (Incorporating, Wear Valley and Teesdale)
