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Voices of our veterans on Remembrance Day

11 November 2022

To mark Remembrance Day 2022, we spoke to five armed forces veterans now working for Opencast. Thanks to Rich, Rob, Ash, Scott and Neil for sharing their reflections on why it's important to remember those who have served.

Richard Handley

“I served in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, deploying on exercises and operations around the world. I was lucky to finish my military service in good health and at a time that was right for me and my family, however, not everyone is as lucky as me! Remembrance Day enables us to take a moment to remember all those who did not make it home to their family and friends, whether that was during their service or afterwards.  I hope it helps us all to learn from our past and move positively into the future. We will remember them.”
Richard Handley, client experience director

Rob Adkin

“I served four years in the King’s Royal Hussars, and during that time deployed to Iraq on Op Telic 10. It’s been a long time since I served, but the bonds formed during that time will last a lifetime. For me, personally, Remembrance Day is a time of quiet reflection. Thinking about those lives lost and the families they left behind, as well as those who are still with us, but who still carry around the traumas of past conflict. It’s a time for us, collectively, to say that we’re listening.”
Rob Adkin, client experience director

Ashton Carter-Ridgway

“My time in the military was short lived but I was on a path to being a paratrooper. I made some lifelong bonds with others in my regiment, some have gone onto have successful careers in the army and others are no longer with us. Remembrance is about taking a moment to thank them for what they gave for our country and families.”
Ashton Carter-Ridgway, talent engagement partner

Scott McCarthy

“Whilst I only served five years in the Royal Signals, I did two tours of duty to Bosnia (six months) and Congo (12 weeks), but I was lucky enough to walk away and continue on with my life. However not everyone who served their country were so lucky and on this day it is worth dedicating just a little time to remember those who gave their life in service of a free democratic country. It is also worth giving a thought to those who are currently serving in Ukraine as no-one this day and age should have to endure the conditions they are having to face to fight for their lives and freedom.”
Scott McCarthy, senior DevOps engineer

Neil Russell

“I served for over 38 years from a 16-year-old apprentice to a crusty old Lt Col and commanding officer.. Along that journey I met many great folk who have remained close buddies and colleagues. I also lost a number in places like the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. The toughest duty I ever had to complete was visiting a spouse to explain that their partner was not coming home. Service is exactly that: serving others before yourself. Those that make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom are due our utmost respect and the act of Remembrance does exactly that. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. RIP.”
Neil Russell, agile delivery manager

To support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy appeal, donate here.

 

Remembrance Day is a time of quiet reflection...it’s a time for us, collectively, to say that we’re listening

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