Veterans UK-USA Veterans Exchange Programme
In 2010, CEO Tony Wright travelled to the USA and visited the American Legion branch in Austin Texas. The following year he was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Travelling Fellowship and embarked on a life changing six week research trip, travelling across America visiting numerous projects on the way. On return he set up Forward Assist Veterans Exchange Programme. The week long trips enable veterans to research veteran related topics, whilst making new friends along the way. On a visit in 2019, our veteran ambassadors focussed on Women Veterans and a ‘Veteran Centric’ Academic Counselling MSc Course Delivered at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia . The trip was hosted by Carrie Ann Alford from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services & we have brought that learning back to the UK supporting thousands of UK women veterans during the COVID 19 pandemic. In 2021, we set up Salute Her UK a women only veterans registered charity supporting women with lived experience of in-service sexual violence. In 2022 we were invited to go on a 10 lecture tour and study visit in Australia. In September 2024 we facilitated a life affirming trip to the USA for a group of Royal Marine Commando combat veterans, all of whom are Falklands War and Northern Ireland veterans. The trip combined educational, cultural and collaborative activities with other US based military charities. The visit culminated with the laying of a Poppy Wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.
