Celebrating our veterans on VE Day
On the 81st anniversary of VE Day (Friday 8 May 2026), we wanted to highlight those staff who have served, or have loved ones who have served, in the Armed Forces over their careers. They are also a part of our Armed Forces Community Network, which is a safe and supportive space for staff. Some of our network members have shared their experiences, and how skills they gained in the Armed Forces have transferred into the work they do in the hospital.
Lisa Dunne, Vocational Learning Coordinator
I joined the British Army's Adjutant General Corps, Staff and Personnel Support (AGC SPS) in 1997, where I was responsible for delivering key administrative and HR support to service personnel, helping maintain operational effectiveness.
As a teenager, watching Soldier Soldier sparked my interest in the Armed Forces, and combined with my adventurous mindset, it motivated me to pursue a career that offered challenge, purpose, and new experiences.
Joining the Armed Forces was one of the best decisions I've ever made; it gave me a strong sense of belonging as part of a close-knit team that supported one another, while also providing incredible opportunities to travel, including competing in skiing championships in Canada and scuba diving in different countries.
From my time in the Armed Forces, I developed excellent organisational and timekeeping skills, as well as the resilience and composure needed to work effectively under pressure.
My time in the Armed Forces was a defining period in my life. It shaped a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that has stayed with me throughout my career, and it also gave me a lasting appreciation for the importance of supporting others and working as part of a close-knit team. It not only provided valuable skills and experiences, but also a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose that continues to influence how I work and interact with others today.
I am passionate about being part of the AFN because it helps me to support and represent the community and stay connected to an important part of my identity.
Colin Baker, Head of Category Procurement
I served in The Royal Air Force; I had a wide a varied role that covered supply chain and logistics areas. I wanted to widen my horizons, live and travel to different parts of the country and world.
It was a way of life that was constantly evolving depending on your location and role; I saw things and met amazing people in some amazing places, I would never have had the opportunity to do those things in any other job. Being away from your family for 4/6 months when sent on a tour of duty was difficult and the hardest aspect of the job.
The training we were given gave you organisational and adaptability skills, with an ability to step back to assess the wider picture in a calm manner.
It's important to raise awareness and benefits of adapting an approach to patients and their families with a military background; an awareness of the transferable skills a veteran may bring to some vacant roles with the Trust.
Sam Law, Physiotherapy Assistant
I used to be a healthcare assistant for 208 field hospital. I'm now a veteran. I wanted to challenge myself and learn new skills.
I enjoyed learning new skills, working as part of a team in field exercises and keeping fit and getting fit. Working within different cultures and respecting their customs. Adventure training - I've been skiing, horse riding, hiking, climbing. I worked in a hospital on the wards looking after soldiers and civilians for four months in Afghanistan whilst on deployment and learnt to work and cope whilst under certain pressures, giving me transferrable skills relevant to working at The Walton Centre.
I am passionate about being part of the veteran network as being in the reserves, I understand the army culture as been through it myself part time. And to help and support into the right direction for a wide range of services, whether locally or other regions, even just for a chat.
Jean Taylor, Estates and Facilities Officer
I was in the Army - RLC (29 Regiment mainly) as Movement Controller.
I did the TA, then FTRS, then as I was enjoying it, and young, I joined full-time
The Armed Forces was eye opening, so many opportunities. Loved the travel, the organisation of it all, being with like-minded people, opportunities to take part in activities I never thought about doing ever. That comfortable feeling knowing the person next to you has your back and understands the task without you worrying. Glass half full outlook.
Life in the forces has changed so much since I have left, I have lots of memories and people in my past, we keep in touch. We need each other as once you're military it's hard not to have that connection. We have a way of understanding each other without saying anything. We need to be able to support each other in a safe space.
Bernadette Fong, HR Manager
Bernadette's son is a serving soldier and has been for 14 years. Staff members with family in the armed forces are encouraged to join our network.
As both an HR professional and the mother of a serving soldier, I joined our Veterans Network to help bring a wider family perspective. While I am not a veteran myself, I understand first-hand the emotional impact that military life can have on relatives of serving personnel — including uncertainty around deployments and manoeuvres, last-minute changes, periods of limited communication, and the worry that can accompany them! These experiences can naturally affect concentration, wellbeing, and day-to-day working life. By sharing my perspective, I hope to help build greater awareness, understanding, and support for colleagues who may also be balancing their professional responsibilities with the realities of supporting a loved one in the Armed Forces community.