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Celebrating Reserves Day

Published on 26 Jun 2024

The 26 June marks Reserves Day, and we at Blind Veterans UK are proud to highlight the commitment and contributions of our reservist staff members.

This year, we celebrate Rosina from our Llandudno Centre and Jacob from our Rustington Centre, both of whom are dedicated reservists working within our charity.

Rosina

Rosina, our Community Engagement Lead at the Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing, has been a proud member of the Royal Naval Reserves (RNR) since January 2001.

Based at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool, she currently serves as a Chief Petty Officer in the Training branch. Her role involves training new recruits, supporting rigid inflatable boat training, and ensuring the readiness of recruits for Naval life. Rosina's experience benefits both her reservist and charity work. She explains:

"I understand the military environment and have military links, which helps when interacting with our beneficiaries and developing community links. Our blind veterans always enjoy listening to what I am doing in the Royal Naval Reserves, and I have been able to welcome blind veterans at HMS Eaglet."

Rosina, dressed in military camouflage with a Royal Navy patch, smiles white seated at a desk. — Rosina during her time with the Royal Naval Reserves

Rosina enjoys the variety and challenges that come with her Reservist duties. She shares:

"The Royal Navy Reserves allows me to do something different. It has provided me with new challenges and experiences, as well as opportunities for personal development, including coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills.

"My Eaglet family is so important to me, the camaraderie and friendships that develop are lifelong, including finding my partner!"

One of Rosina's most memorable experiences was her six-month mobilisation to Operation KIPION in Bahrain, where she worked as a watchkeeper in the Operations room. Another highlight was serving as a ceremonial flag bearer at the 2012 Olympics during the Paralympic sailing events in Weymouth. She shares:

"The best part was walking out with the Union Flag, hearing the national anthem, hoisting the flag, and being proud that the GBR team had won gold. Such experiences and opportunities like that come to you when you serve as a Reservist."

Rosina stands beside a Blind Veterans UK banner that reads "Rebuilding lives after sight loss" in a room with large windows at our Llandudon Centre of Wellbeing. — Rosina in her role as Community Engagement Lead at our Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing

"Having a supportive employer, like Blind Veterans UK, makes it so much easier to fulfil my commitment to the Royal Naval Reserves. This is reinforced by Blind Veterans UK being awarded a Gold Award status Employer under the Armed Forces Covenant."

Rosina
Community Engagement Lead, Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing

Jacob

Jacob, a Hospitality Team Member at our Rustington Centre of Wellbeing, joined the Army Reserves in September 2023 after serving over six years as an infantry soldier in the regular Army’s Parachute Regiment, which took him to Kabul twice.

Now based at the 4th Battalion, Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) in Croydon, he serves as a Lance Corporal and Physical Training Instructor in the Army Reserves. His role involves conducting fitness classes, circuits, and general military knowledge sessions to ensure that Reserve Paras maintain the same fitness levels as their regular counterparts. Reflecting on the benefits of being a Reservist, Jacob says:

"I speak to our blind veterans at the centre and we have great conversations. We all speak the same language and I have found they are more approachable towards me knowing I have a service background. They are really interested in what I do as a Reservist and what the military are doing today."

Jacob dressed in military camouflage and a maroon beret, stands on a rooftop holding a rifle. The background shows a mountainous landscape in Kabul. — Jacob serving with the Parachute Regiment during his time in Kabul

Jacob's decision to join the Reserves stemmed from his desire to maintain his connection to military life. He shares:

"When I left last September, I wanted to keep my hand in and connection to service life, and 4 Para was my local Parachute regiment, so it was a natural choice for me."

Jacob's journey from regular service to the Reserves has been immensely rewarding. He says:

"Being in the Reserves is the best thing I’ve done to transition into civilian life while continuing to serve. Plus, I’ve made more mates in the reserves who seek out my knowledge from my regular Army time.

"I feel service life helps me be more organised and get more out of life. Since serving both full time, and now part time, I feel more confident about speaking up and generally it has helped enhance my overall personal development."

Jacob, dressed in a navy Blind Veterans UK polo shirt, sits at a desk in the Rustington Centre of Wellbeing. The background shows a modern office environment with computer monitors, paper work and hallways leading to other areas at the centre. — Jacob at the Rustington Centre of Wellbeing in his role as Hospitality Team Member

"Everyone is supportive. I recently completed a two-week exercise and was able to take time off. It’s great to have this support and bring back my current service experience to share"

Jacob
Hospitality Team Member, Rustington Centre of Wellbeing

As we celebrate Reserves Day, we thank Rosina, Jacob, and all our Reservists for their invaluable contributions to the Armed Forces. This day not only honours our deep military connections but also reinforces our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Learn more about our commitment

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