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Veterans plenary
Open Forum Session 2 with Julian Miller Director General Service
Personnel Policy
(Veterans Plenary on 24 March 2004)
Q1) Jim Keating - Vice Chairman, London War Pensions Committee
Regarding the Veterans Reunited Programme we saw a presentation which contained a number of bullet points, however, we didn't really get to see how this programme is being advertised by organisations such as the War Pensions Welfare Service.
A1) Chris Anderson NOF: We are promoting the programme as widely as possible and working with the Veterans Agency. I would appeal to all organisations gathered here today to inform their members.
Q2) Air Chf Mshl Sir David Cousins - Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
On veterans awareness the work being undertaken with the youth of today is laudable, however, there seems to be a lost generation after the end of National Service and the Suez conflict. Is there anything we can do to achieve a wider audience than the school children of today?
A2) Mr Julian Miller: That is a good point, there has been much emphasis on schools and intergenerational linkages and there should be wider intergenerational links. The wider Veterans Awareness Week should have the effect of reaching a wider audience.
Chris Anderson NOF: We also expect museums taking part in 'Home Front Recall' to educate the wider public on issues related to the post-war era such as the establishment of the welfare state.
Q3) Capt Alistair McDonald - Aden Veterans Association
A number of references have been made about The Royal British Legion. I should advise that The Royal British Legion Scotland is a related but separate part of TRBL.
A3) Ian Townsend TRBL: The Earl Haig was somewhat hot off the mark in establishing an organisation in Scotland. I do accept the point that there is a need to fully engage TRBL Scotland.
Q4) Captain Andy Anderson - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
I need to raise this issue once more. We are still having problems caused by data protection issues in getting in touch with new service leavers to make them aware of the advantages of joining ex-Service organisations. I thought this issue had been resolved, but unfortunately it does not appear to be the case.
A4) Lt Col Frances Castle MOD AG DPS 4(A): I was assured that the data protection issues had been addressed. I will go back and chase this once more.
Q5) Maj Roy Walker - Royal Irish Rangers
Will the Heroes Return Scheme take into account those veterans of the Second World War who are now resident in the Republic of Ireland?
A5) Mike Sands - Veterans Policy Unit, MOD: We have made a case to the Minister for Veterans and we are expecting an encouraging response shortly.
Q6) William Cooper - The Samaritans
Can I advise that not all those who have memories flooding back about their time in the Second World War will be able to handle those memories easily. Please mention that there is support available to veterans who may need help in coming to terms with their memories.
A6) Julian Miller: Thank you for that contribution.
Q7) Maj E W Simmonds - Royal Army Pay Corps
I receive invites to various events and our bi-annual newsletter is due for publication shortly. It would be helpful to have Chris Anderson's details at the New Opportunity Fund.
A7) Maj Gen Shellard COBSEO: Those details are in the 'Heroes Return' document you may have picked up on the way in.
Q8) Wg Cdr Rick Woodroffe - The Royal British Legion Scotland
Just to advise that TRBL Scotland is linked into Veterans Scotland and of course the Confederation of British Service and Ex-Service Organisations and are therefore kept in touch with current information.
Q9) Sqn Ldr Colin Pomeroy - Coastal Command and Maritime Air Association
For those organised groups wishing to make applications under the “Heroes Return” scheme what are the administrative costs that can be paid to organisations wishing to make a journey?
A9) Chris Anderson: If the group is of 11 people then this will be £250.00 and may be more for considerably larger groups.
Q10) Mrs Debbie Bowles - War Widows Association
I would like to remind those present that the 'Heroes Return' scheme does include war widows and where necessary their carers.
Q11) Lt Cdr David Marsh - Forces Pension Society
I have received many calls from people saying that they are experiencing difficulties contacting the Veterans Agency helpline. Can we ensure that the helpline is properly resourced?
A11) Mr Julian Miller confirmed we will do our best to resource the helpline.
Q12) Mr David Gallaway - Royal Logistic Corp
I would like to inform all present that in the history of the British Honours and Awards system it is not the first time the award of a campaign medal was delayed. In fact campaign medals for actions between 1801 – 1814 were not awarded until 1848.
The Q & A session was then drawn to a close.
