Johnny Mercer commends tireless dedication of Soldiering On Awards winners
The outstanding achievements of the Armed Forces community have been celebrated by ministerial and military leaders who praised the enduring sense of service and valuable contributions made by its members to society.
Now in its 13th year, the Soldiering On Awards, hosted by journalist Jeremy Vine, once again honoured excellence and endeavour by individuals and organisations, including serving personnel, veterans and family members.
Johnny Mercer, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, opened the award announcements with praise for the Soldiering On Awards finalists, saying: "I commend the spirit of collaboration, the shared sense of purpose and tireless dedication of the nominees, finalists and winners.
"I am determined to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran and, to do so, veterans need support from both the Government and their communities.
"These awards celebrate those who help to make a difference for the better."
Attended by representatives from all three military services, military charities and corporate supporters, the event shone a spotlight on the finalists in 12 diverse categories and celebrated the winners with speeches and entertainment.
Vice Admiral Phil Hally, Chief of Defence People, recognised the military community's contribution to society in his address, saying: "The British Armed Forces are made up of exceptional people who all share a common bond of trust, camaraderie and friendship and who deliver phenomenal things every day for our society.
"Awards such as the Soldiering On Awards help to lift the lid on all these remarkable achievements and, by doing so, inspire so many more.
"This year's awards celebrate some of the most extraordinary talent from our Armed Forces and their families, each of whom commit and serve in their own way for our nation and deserve our highest praise."
Well-known veterans sent encouraging video messages including adventurer Bear Grylls, British Army veteran and astronaut Major Tim Peake and SAS: Who Dares Wins Chief Instructor Billy Billingham.
Mr Grylls said: "The incredible Soldiering On Awards is such an important time of the year.
"The chance for all of us involved with the Armed Forces to celebrate people who've gone that extra mile to make a difference, to soldier on, to make a difference and show what an incredible family we are part of."
General the Lord Dannatt, Soldiering On Awards' co-chair of Judges, explained the event's importance as he completed a long commitment as judge: "The Soldiering On Awards call attention to the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations in the Armed Forces community.
"Their stories of impressive endeavour, talent, dedication and achievement serve as exemplary role models for each and every one of us, and it is right that they are recognised at the highest national level.
"It has been an honour to contribute to this celebration of excellence over the years and I shall continue to share in celebrating these awards without the difficult decision of judging.
"Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, nominators and supporters."
Reflecting on the 2023 Soldiering On Awards cohort, Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE, chief executive of X-Forces Enterprise and Soldiering on Awards, commented: "It is both an honour and a privilege to lead the Soldiering On Awards and bring to life fascinating, inspirational stories from across the wider military family, stories that are multifaceted, like the people behind them.
"The issue of equality lies close to my heart and while there is more to be done in the years ahead, it is rewarding to see the diversity that is represented in our Armed Forces community being mirrored in our Soldiering On Awards finalists.
"My sincere thanks go to Lord Dannatt, our co-chair of judges, for his leadership, wisdom, and passion for these awards."
The evening featured musical performances from soprano Christina Johnston, the Corps of Drums of the Royal Logistic Corps, former Royal Marine saxophonist Ryan Truzzi-Franconi, Army Cadet Piper Harry Gordon and live band What The Funk, fronted by Army Reserves Captain Doctor Andie Mitchell-Johnson.
Soldiering On Awards 2023 winners
Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award – in partnership with Redwood Technologies Group
Col Anthony Gauvain, PTSD Resolution
Education, Training and Development Award – In partnership with Capita
Newtown Army Cadet Force (Gwent & Powys ACF)
Working Together Award – In partnership with FiMT (Forces in Mind Trust)
RE:ACT Technical Team NHS
Defence Inclusivity Award – In partnership with Landmarc
Fighting With Pride
Inspiration Award – In partnership with NatWest (Public Vote)
Mark Harding
Family Values Award – In partnership with Right Management
Mutual Support
Animal Partnership Award – In partnership with Pets at Home (Public Vote)
Jonathon Giemza-Pipe and Baxter
Sporting Excellence Award – In partnership with Amazon (Public Vote)
Glyn Barrell
Business Start-Up Award – In partnership with GKN Aerospace
Carma
Business Scale-Up Award – in partnership with London Stock Exchange Group Foundation
Tin Trousers
Business Community Impact Award – In partnership with Cisco
Crimsham Farm
Lifetime Achievement Award – In partnership with Oracle
Khumi Burton
Special Recognition
Talula Grey
Jodie Evans and Natalie Maddox-Hussain
Join Our Newsletter
