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ATTENTION RSM’S HOME FRONT WAR Bin lorry driver Jim honoured by council for 26 years of military service as he gets new Army post
MEET the top-ranking soldier who waged war against the Taliban on the frontline – and battles rubbish on the streets of Scotland.
Jim Easton – who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan – is Scotland’s only Reserve regimental sergeant major and has served for 26 years in the military.
When he isn’t fighting for his country, Jim, 47, works as a bin lorry driver for West Dunbartonshire Council, who recently held a civic reception in his honour.
He said yesterday: “I thoroughly enjoy my work with the Reserves. I am very proud to serve my country and I am delighted that I am being publicly recognised for doing a job I thoroughly enjoy.”
Jim, from Bonhill, near Dumbarton, was recently appointed to the post of regimental sergeant major overseeing Army training in Scotland.
He added: “I am delighted with my new post which includes being the Leadership Code champion and offering advice to the Commanding Officer on welfare matters for recruits and staff for the Army Training Unit.
“The job also includes development of recruit training and to ensure the ethos, values and standards of the Army are upheld.”
Jim, from Bonhill, near Dumbarton, served with 7 Scots, the 51st Highland Battalion. He helped train the Afghan army while on a tour of duty in Helmand province.
Jim’s council colleague Danny Rainey was also honoured at the reception for his service with the Army Cadet Force.
Out-of-hours support assistant Danny joined the Army Cadet Force Helensburgh detachment in 1966, when he was just 14.
Danny rose to the position of company sergeant major and was promoted to regimental sergeant major instructor.
He served for an incredible 51 years and received two Jubilee Medals for his service during the Queen’s reign.
Provost Douglas McAllister, who hosted the reception in Clydebank Town Hall, said: “This is a remarkable achievement by both our employees.
“Jim’s 26-year commitment and Danny’s astonishing 51 years are truly commendable and I am delighted to host this reception in their honour.
“We are very fortunate to have individuals like them who are willing to put themselves in danger for the protection and freedom of others and also give up their free time to benefit others.
“I am proud we have that calibre of staff working for the council.”
Danny said: “I have had a great time over the last 51 years and met some wonderful people.
“The organisation has changed over the years, mainly with the drop in the entry age to 12 and allowing girls to join.
“In many ways, we’re helping young people by teaching them life skills they’ll benefit from regardless of what they go on to do.
“I would urge anyone who would like to join us to come along. The best thing I ever did was walk into the cadet hut in Latta Street in Dumbarton and I remember it like it was yesterday.”
We are very proud to have staff of this calibre working at the council PROVOST