Recognising the Armed Forces

Glasgow Caledonian University will mark Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day with the thoughts and thanks of the whole GCU community.

Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday, June 27, with celebrations beginning on Monday, June 22, as the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the UK.

GCU is signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the military and their families are treated fairly. As the University for the Common Good, the GCU-HM Forces Learning Partnership is at the forefront of this initiative, supporting ex-military personnel and their families to make a fresh start.

The University has also been honoured by the Ministry of Defence with a Silver Award for its outstanding support of Armed Forces veterans and their families, and GCU psychologists are part of a team of researchers looking at the challenges that come with having a member of the family in the Armed Forces.

Jim Castle, Veterans and Armed Forces Champion for GCU, said: "GCU's support for HM Forces Community includes those still serving, those who have served, reservists, the Cadet Forces and all associated families. The annual Armed Forces Day provides the public as a whole the opportunity to say thank you to the community and provides a platform for them to think about what they have been through, what they are currently doing and what sacrifices they have and are still making on our behalf. We salute you."

Reserves Day, on Wednesday, June 24, will also provide an opportunity for the country to recognise HM Reserve Forces, who balance their civilian life with a military career to ensure they would be ready to serve as part of the military if required.

Peter Yetton (Head of VISA /Assistant Academic Registrar (UKVI Compliance) and Kevin Forbes (Lecturer in SHLS) are both Reservists.

Peter said: “I am proud to be an Army Reservist and to be part of the Glasgow Caledonian University community. Having already served nine years as a Regular, it was personally so important for me to enlist as a Reservist to support the UK on another level, during these challenging times. GCU has made this possible for me, their attitude towards me as a Reservist is exemplary. Armed Forces Day is therefore the University’s opportunity to thank the Armed Forces Community, but also an opportunity for me to reciprocate."