In a letter published in today’s JEP, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton says that the vital work of the charity supporting servicemen and women and their families is as necessary as ever.
‘Today, we know so much more about the adverse impact that being in combat can have on our soldiers, sailors and airmen,’ Sir Stephen writes. ‘We know that the full effects of post-traumatic stress disorder can materialise in many ways, often well after the end of conflict, and be devastating to the individuals and their families.
‘Many of those who fought in the two world wars, Korea, the Falklands, Northern Ireland and more recently in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in other conflicts, have only discovered the extent of their need for support long after they have left the Armed Forces.
‘Indeed, by their character and demeanour, many of those who suffer are reluctant to ask for help or to admit that they cannot cope alone.’
He adds: ‘This is where the work of the RBL and other military charities can be so vital. But the RBL cannot provide and pay for this vital work without your support.
‘So I ask for your characteristically generous Jersey support and ask you to give whatever you can donate to the continuing critical work of the RBL as it supports our military veterans and their families in their hours of need.’
