The Forward Assist UK -USA Veterans Exchange Programme.
/In 2011, Tony Wright CEO was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship and embarked on a life changing, six week research trip, travelling across America visiting numerous veteran centric projects on the way. On return to the UK he put the learning into practice and to set up both Forward Assist, Salute Her and the UK-USA Veterans Exchange Programme which funds and facilitates week long trips to the USA for UK Veterans. Participants act as cultural ambassadors while being offered a fully immersive life-changing lived experience. The goal is to promote communication and connection for veterans on both sides of the Atlantic which in turn helps support a successful integration back into civilian life and encourage grassroots improvement and the development of veteran services in both countries. To date we have facilitated nine research trips with another two planned for 2021-22
On return to the UK we consult with participants and evaluate feedback from both parties: Below is just a flavour of the feedback.
“A wonderful cross-cultural experience that enabled veterans from both countries to share experiences” “Meeting amazing people from America who have had similar experiences was amazing”
“It was interesting to greet the British who shared the same experiences. We built an international comradery and friendship”
“Gained an insight into how other cultures (countries) do things.”
“ Meeting gentlemen from another country who had the same experiences as you do. Then being able to go out and go hunting and fishing among other things with them was wonderful”
“The welcome we received from all the people we have met has restored my faith in human nature”
“A great experience which one will never forget”
“Experiencing different cultures and fantastic outdoor activities allowed me to make new friends and this experience is going to help me when I get home”
“ I was surprised how far behind the UK is in relation to the care of the veterans and their well being”
“I realised that I need to be more of a family man when I get back home.”
“Our two countries are intertwined with a common language, culture, religions and national interests global politics require that our troops serve shoulder to shoulder for the betterment of the world”
“To be honest, the most important thing that I have learnt is how phenomenal the experience is and how the whole of the USA cares and loves their veterans.”
“ I have learnt that its OK to demonstrate my love for my wife from the role models I saw in the US”
“ I have learnt to listen and be more tolerant of people”
“I have never experienced so much respect or love from people I only just met”
“ I’m going back on my own next year to stay with my new friends”
“ Never thought I would have had a change to participate in such a pioneering exchange programme”
“it enriched my life”
“People showed me how to be a good father and husband”
“I have learnt that I can actually be sociable with people”
“ The support American veterans receive from the CJS should be mirrored in the United Kingdom”
“ Instead of incarceration we should mentor them to help others”
“It seems USA are definitely more advanced in looking after their personnel after leaving the Armed forces”
“Laying a poppy wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery was a unbelievable honour and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life”
“My time at Boulder Crest Retreat has changed my life”
“First time in Seattle and it blew my mind”
“I want to live in Texas”
“The welcome I received at Boulder Crest Retreat in Arizona was unbelievable and the learning has changed my life. I was also involved in writing a country song with my group and its been recorded, unreal!”
I couldn’t believe how open our American colleagues are to share learning and best practice, it doesn’t happen in the UK”
“ Women veterans are really respected in the USA”
“I can honestly stay coming to the UK has been the best experience of my life”
“An amazing project and I am going to fundraise to bring more US veterans over next year”
