Minister for Veterans visits HRFCA

17.01.2020
Graeme Dey, Rab Wilson, Michelle McKearnon, Alison Henderson and Mark Dodson

Scotland’s Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans visited Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association in Dundee today. 

Graeme Dey was in the city to hear about the Association’s ChamberFORCE initiative.

ChamberFORCE was launched in November 2018 with the aim of bringing Chambers of Commerce and Armed Forces Reserve units closer together.

Each Chamber has been assigned its own military ‘buddy’ with the partners working together to build mutually-beneficial relationships.

Mr Dey met Alison Henderson, the CEO of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, one of the ChamberFORCE founding members.

The Chamber has been working closely with Dundee-based 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment on a number of initiatives, including jointly hosting a team-building exercise in the city to celebrate Reserves Day 2019. More on that event HERE.

The successful event saw participants gain an insight into life in the Reserves by taking part in a complex series of physical and mental Command Tasks in the city’s Slessor Gardens.

As well as discussing ChamberFORCE, Mr Dey emphasised the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

He said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to hear more about the ChamberFORCE project, to discuss the progress made during the first 12 months and to highlight the support the Scottish Government offers to our Armed Forces community.

“It is vital to remove barriers from veterans and this is especially important for those seeking civilian employment who have a range of remarkable skills and experiences which they can bring to employers.

“ChamberFORCE do an excellent job of tackling this issue and strengthening the links between our communities and the Armed Forces.”

Mr Dey was also introduced to Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier Mark Dodson, Head of Engagement Michelle McKearnon and WO2 Rab Wilson from 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment. He heard about the work the Association does for Reserves and Cadets as well as supporting work being done by third sector organisations which contributes to the wellbeing of Service personnel and veterans. He also gained an insight into the benefits of ChamberFORCE from WO2 Wilson.



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