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The Falklands War, why no gongs?
Posted by Mark 16 Jun 2007
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Since realising that this week would be the perfect occasion to have announced a special "Falklands Honours List", I keep kicking myself that I didn't think of this sooner. But what amazes me is that nobody else seems to have thought of it either. All those who gave such sterling service to Queen and Country 25 years ago were rightly recognised at the time, but in those intervening 25 years many others have contributed significant parts of their lives to giving care and support to the Falklands veterans and families.
First among many equals must be those who founded and have maintained the Falklands war veterans association, the South Atlantic Medal Association (1982) or SAMA(82) in short. They have provided a lifeline for many verterans who were struggling to cope with the after effects of the war and they have brought a new sense of purpose and wellbeing to so many. The same can be said of the Falklands Families Association, which is there for the families and relatives of those lost in the war. It is often said that as many as lost their lives during the war have taken their lives since. PTSD is really not properly dealt with, and it is left to charities such as Combat Stress - well, probably only Combat Stress - to deal with the vast number of cases. Many, many other veterans and their families rely on the help and support of SSAFA, the Soldiers Sailors and Air Force Association for whom I know many SAMA members are case workers. The Royal British Legion lead a list of other charity organisations giving great help.
All of this effort has gone unnoticed and unacknowledged. All of it. And it does amount to a significant amount of hard work and dedication, many having worked solidly these past twenty five years. They deserve to be recognised. Pehaps there is time for a List to be compiled, scrutinised and announced in time for the November Pilgrimage. It would certainly be appropriate.
Here is my own list to get the ball rolling, a past award for what they did during the war should not disbar anyone from being acknowledged for what they have done since. I am sure I have omitted several whom I personally know and who should be on this list, my apologies in advance but I just want to get the idea out there.
Rick Jolly
Denzil Connick
John Jackson
Dave Brown
John Erskine
Derek Cole
Morgan O'Connell
Nikki Pugh
Sukey Cameron
Tony Davies
Sarah Jones
Angela Perry
John Phillips
Toby Elliot
Mike Bowles
Gary Clement
Andy Jones
Chris Duggan
Stephen Hopkins
Trevor Kinrade
Kevin MacDonald
Martin Dunkin
Robert Leckey
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