NAAFI Break

This week I speak to a Falklands War Veteran and now Academic who has just returned from performing a stage show based on the experiences of the Falklands War alongside Argentinian soldiers.

An insightful and thought provoking conversation that challenges the public perception of how society intergrates Veterans and the impact of Military life on Veterans and their families.

Please like, comment and share to anyone with a Forces connection.

As it’s. such a big part of the journey I have been on since 2012, this bonus episode highlights the challenge I have set myself over the next 12 days. More important than the ‘What’ is the ‘Why’.

Chair of Trustees for Scottys Little Soldiers Jason Worthy steps in as host to discuss this challenge, the work of Scottys and what difference we can make to the bereaved children of our British Forces.

Please follow the ride on the link and you will find a link to donate too!

www.joboppo.co.uk/sullyride

Thanks for listening 

This week I explore with Army spouse Joanna McDonnagh the impact of being married to ‘The Army’ and how good communication and retaining her own identity have worked to set up the Flying Guardsman in Hadleigh Suffolk. A day and night time focal point for the local village and somewhere for both civilian and military people to feel welcome.

The Flying Guardsman is also the location for the local Armed Forces Breakfast Club.

This week my guest is Brian Rogers, who after a distinguished 23 year Army career, he has forged a stellar career in Facilities Management culminating in his own family owned company McArthur Business Solutions.

Brian has a lifetime, two careers, full of lessons and advice for the next generation of Service Leavers, that have been gained through his lived experience and can do attitude.

We talked about his childhood upbringing and first signs of resilience and strength of character as well as what it means to be a Veteran.

Brian has great advice for Service Leavers and Veterans alike.

Please like follow and share to anyone with a Forces connection 

This week I speak to Billy Kelly, who after a career in the Army that took him through the ranks and on to commission, finding a blank canvas to work with in a new role in the NHS, as the Head of Armed Force (Programme Lead) at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.

Translating the experience the Army gives you is a challenge for many, but Billy shares his experience and tips on how to ensure you achieve the right value when you move into civilian employment.

Please like, comment and share to anyone with an Armed Forces connection 

This week I talk to Gerwyn Talylor about cultivating a life beyond the Army and how he started the process early. We discuss his attitude to personal development and how he used lockdown to his advantage for his transition.

It’s true he did referee me in the Guinness World Record Rugby match 2013!

Another angle on the military to Veteran transition.

Please share with your network and Forces connections

This week my guest is Joe Madden, an Army Veteran, who shares the similarities of Rugby and his time in uniform as well as his ‘duty’ in giving back. 
An honest and open interview where Joe shares his lived experience and advice for others.

He is a great example of taking what the military gives us, but not standing still and using it to reach the next milestone of our career.

Please share with your network and to anyone with a forces connection.

This week I speak to RAF Veteran Al Edmonds a former RAF PTI and now OU Lecturer.
For the first time on the NAAFI Break podcast I had the chance to speak to someone from the LBGT Community about the challenge of being a gay man in the RAF during the 70s-90s. A different time and a different culture within the RAF, but a very honest reflection, from someone who served their country.

The Military transition is different for everyone, my aim has always been to uncover the ways different people have negotiated this period in their lives sunder many different circumstances.

Please comment and share to anyone who wants to understand more about the Military to Veteran transition.

This week my guest is former RAFRegiment Officer Mike Mason who after choosing the RAF soon realised he wasn’t going to be a pilot, but carved out a 20 year career within the RAF Regiment. He has also retained a passion for sport, particularly Rugby, which gave him almost a parallel career a top referee and into a role, post service with World Rugby. 
He has been involved with High performance Sports teams and is married to an Army Veteran.

Great lived experience I had to bring to you.

Please comment and share to anyone with a Forces connection.

This week I talk to Dr Caroline Micklewright, Veteran, former RAF Logistics Officer and currently Honoury Research Fellow  on the Military After Lives project with Exeter University.

We uncover the ‘not usual’ Officer cadet, the challenge of being a ‘Mam’ in the RAF with a serving husband and the move into Academic Research. Some fantastic reflections and insights from her lived experience.

Please follow, like, comment and share to anyone with a Military connection.