Why the Baton and its Message is as important now as when we started in 2009 – maybe even more so despite many more military charities being formed – Yes things have improved, but we can surely do better on some important issues……
* Former forces personnel are being hounded for past actions when their possible enemies are given legal aid to sue with slim evidence – our leaders expect loyalty but is it returned?
* Far too many veterans are living rough, vulnerable and homeless without hope on the streets, unaware there are ways of being helped.
* Many forces partners (mostly ladies) are trying to hold a family together without cohesive support, some suffering mentally through loss.
* Military mental issues are still not fully understood, addressed and supported, often seemingly placed in a box that fits all – and it doesn’t!
* Elderly Veterans are slipping through the net of care, often just a few pounds or an act of kindness will sort the problem of feeling no worth, or just of being forgotten.
There are more and The Baton is playing its part, as small as we are, often through an over worked voluntary SSAFA Devon SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity Caseworker – The Baton, no wages taken, no egos just a family with a common belief in humanity, we will continue to keep our Message Alive! every time a Baton is held….Alan