PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces veteran community celebrated in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

Armed Forces veterans are amongst those recognised for incredible service in this year’s HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

Veterans, and those who have worked in the veteran community for decades have been honoured.

The List includes many individuals who have raised funds for veterans causes, campaigned tirelessly for military charities and volunteered their time to support those who have served.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

When you join the military, you pledge to fight for King and country.

So it’s immensely poignant that those who have served, or have helped veterans, have been honoured today in the Birthday Honours

The range of contributions, from charity work, to supporting veterans mental health, are inspiring and I warmly congratulate all the recipients.

Major (Rtd) Sally Orange has been awarded an MBE for her work to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health. Over a 30-year period, Sally has run over 70 marathons and fundraised for over 40 different charities, mainly of a military nature, raising over half a million pounds in donations.

Volunteer work is being recognised in this year’s List, including an MBE for Thomas Hall for his work linking the charity and healthcare systems to create a coherent care pathway in Wales. He has created a series of health discussion groups to share best practice and advice on veteran care, helping to improve understanding of their healthcare needs.

Margaret Bracey has been awarded a BEM to mark her outstanding commitment to the Royal British Legion as one of their longest serving poppy collectors. Margaret sold her first poppy for one penny in 1945 at the age of 12, and continues to volunteer for the charity almost eight decades later.

Anthony Cooper has been awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans. Following an extensive injury from an IED, including losing both legs, many fingers, and an eye, Anthony joined the Royal British Legion as an ambassador and works tirelessly to share his story with others, and has raised thousands of pounds for veterans charities.

Charitable services to veterans is also being recognised in this year’s List, with Christine Evans receiving a British Empire Medal recognising her innovative fundraising ideas, including organising a ‘Red Ball’ fundraiser to mark the Centenary of the First World War. To date, Christine’s Poppy Appeals have raised over £300,000 for military charities.

Following a 25 year military career, Albert Duffus is receiving a BEM to recognise his work organising fundraising events for a range of veterans charities and ensuring that the role of the Queen’s Own Highlanders regiment is remembered.

Work to support the veterans of the war in Ukraine featured in this year’s list, with Major General Nicholas John Caplin receiving a CBE for his tireless work to help build Ukrainian capability in the provision of sight loss services for veterans. He is also credited with the establishment of the Disabled Veterans Charity Partnership, a partnership fostering collaboration between key military charities.

Kenneth Keld of North Yorkshire is receiving an MBE for his persistent work to ensure Korean veterans receive recognition for their service.