Nationwide search to find veterans who have ‘fallen off the radar’

I WAS proud and humbled to see the nation pause to remember all those who sacrificed so much in the defence of our freedoms on D-Day at the 75th anniversary recently.

As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, it is our privilege to provide support for Second World War veterans in need. But it is not just that generation, we believe that all of those who did their duty for this country by serving in the RAF deserve our help.

That is why we are launching a nationwide search, asking for the public’s help to find RAF veterans and their families from all generations who have fallen off the radar and urgently need help.

Whether they fought in wars, from the Second World War, Korea, through to the Falklands and Gulf Wars, or if they served during the Cold War, or did their National Service, then they are part of our family, the RAF Family.

Last year, we supported thirty eight people across Birmingham and we want to double that number over the next three years, but we need your help.

The chances are, all of us know someone who served in the RAF – a relative, former colleague, friend or neighbour – and if they need support, then they need to be put in touch with us.

We can provide a range of support, from financial assistance, to telephone friendship groups to help fight loneliness and welfare breaks. But to do this, we need to get veterans back on the radar.

Military people are proud people. They often find it difficult to ask for help.

Or they may not realise that help is available to them or that they are eligible. That is why we are asking the public to help find them, so that we can help them.

As we honour all of our current serving personnel this Armed Forces Day, please remember, if you know someone who served with the RAF and who needs our help then please visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919. By joining in with the search, you have the potential to change a life.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund