The motto of the Halton Veterans Legion C.I.C I visited yesterday will resonnate with many who have served: Leave No One Behind.
From its Latin origin “Nemo Resideo”, the phrase is used in many combat forces across the world. In particular the US Armed Forces has incorporated this fundamental mindset into their Army and Air Force Creed with their respective mottos of “I will never leave a fallen comrade” and “I will never leave an airman behind”; the Marines motto of “we never leave a man behind” is itself well recognised from Hollywood.
I had the priviledge of being invited to spend time with the team behind this group to learn more about what they were doing and brain storm a project they wanted to get off the ground to promote the learning of new skills and the benefits of exercise.
I love the history behind their premises, from having an events room where Gary Barlow has sung to the veterans’ community museum they have access to on site. Inside the latter, you can find so many donations and items which all have an association with a person, battle or other situation where our troops have been called in to intervene. So many stories which each merit recording, something which I hope we can help them with in the future.
I was shown around by a former Combat Medic who was incredibly open about his personal journey, both during and after leaving the Forces. Perhaps his willingness to be vulnerable is what makes him understand trauma in all senses of the word. It’s not easy for our forces personnel who have trained to be “hard” to admit they are in need or feel down, but when you are speaking to someone who is open to admit he has had to sofa surf and tried to end his life more than once, people can open up and know he will understand, empathise and above all, never judge them.
We need more people like this through the good times and the bad times; those who can be there for each other. Above all this needs a management team that care and are not there just for their own ego and sense of power. The mix of 2 civies alongside 2 veterans makes for a good balance and general banter here; apart from that “Pete Waterman” moment (!), they maintain close contact even when they aren’t at the centre and it’s refreshing to hear this.
Thank you for your time and transport arrangements; it was informative and fun!
