‘CATASTROPHIC WASTE OF LIFE’ Veterans czar: I’ll do best to see vulnerable get support
THE soldier suicide epidemic has been labelled a “catastrophic waste of life” by the new veterans commissioner.
Afghanistan and Iraq veteran Charlie Wallace – who was appointed to the role in June – told the Record the spate of former forces men taking their own lives was “traumatic”.
Scotland was hit by a wave of soldier suicides in August.
We revealed former corporal Ryan “Smudge” Smith, who served in Afghanistan with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was the sixth to die in just over a week.
Jamie Davies and Alistair McLeish – who had served in the same battalion as Ryan, 4 Scots, the Highlanders – were separately found dead days before him.
And former infantry soldier Jonny Cole, 39, a veteran of Northern Ireland, killed himself at a beauty spot in Derbyshire.
Two other ex-forces personnel, whose identities have not been revealed, also committed suicide, according to veterans’ forums.
Charlie, a former colonel who served in the Army for 35 years, said: “Any form of suicide is dreadful. It has such a massive impact on everyone, the friends and family.
“It is traumatic and catastrophic and such a waste of life.
“It is a very complex area – did the person have issues relating to their service or was it related to something that happened before or after that?
“I will be doing my level best to see that people who are vulnerable get support.”
The dad of three, 54, admitted there would be plenty of challenges in his new role, which he only started this week.
But he is heartened by the improvements already made in the approach to helping those who need support. Charlie said: “I think the forces are in a better place when it comes to dealing with mental health. “More work needs to be done but there is an improvement there. “We need to make sure the Scottish Government understand the positivity that veterans bring to society and look after the few who do not do well after leaving the services. “Veterans have experience being part of teams, leading
teams, selflessness, seeing the bigger picture and thinking of others rather than themselves.
“They have the soft skills that would benefit any employer.”
The suicide epidemic has alarmed the armed forces community and Veterans Minister Graeme Dey MSP has said the Government have a “duty of care” to ex-soldiers.
But in April, a report by the previous veterans commissioner was critical of politicians’ approach.
Eric Fraser said the long-term specialist health and social care needs of veterans had not been properly considered.
However, former Royal Navy commodore Eric – who had a 37-year military career – believes his successor is the right man to bring about change.
Eric said: “I am absolutely delighted that Charlie Wallace has been appointed as the next veterans commissioner.
“Having worked closely with him over the last couple of years, I know he will bring enormous enthusiasm, energy and knowledge to the role.
“He will work to ensure our veterans and their families receive the best possible support when needed but also that they have the opportunity to make the maximum contribution to our communities across Scotland.
“I wish him every success in his new appointment.”