West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WMRFCA) was pleased to be a sponsor of the recent Phoenix Newspaper 8th Anniversary Awards.
The event showcased the contribution of local employers and organisations, as well as celebrating 70 years of Windrush, the Commonwealth and the connecting of communities.
The awards ceremony was attended and supported by local dignitaries, key representatives from the Armed Forces, regional organisations, employers and key members of the community – along with several famous faces.
Awards were presented to a number of recipients, and WMRFCA Chief Executive, Colonel (Ret’d) Richard Maybery QGM, was delighted to present the Educational Excellence Award 2018 to Birmingham City University. The Army also received the championing Diversity Award, after being shortlisted alongside the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and two police forces.
A special Armed Forces Covenant signing took place at the ceremony which saw The Phoenix Newspaper co-sign the Covenant alongside Brigadier Richard Carter, Commander of 11th Signal & West Midlands Brigade Army West Midlands.
The signing further cements and reinforces the organisation’s dedication and commitment towards helping to support members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses.
As one of the special guests at the event, Air Vice Marshal (Ret’d) Aroop Mozumder CB, Honorary Air Commodore for No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, gave a short speech about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant and the contribution made to the Armed Forces from people of all backgrounds and faiths.
Our Association is also grateful for the support of Warwickshire Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums and the RAF Cosford Volunteer Band who gave fantastic performances to guests on the night, and to WO2 Hedges and C/Sgt Watchman V and Pte Watchman VI and our local military units; the Royal Navy, 11th Signal & West Midlands Brigade, the Royal Yeomanry, The Fusiliers and the Royal Air Force who greeted guests and gave them an insight into their roles.
You can view more photos from the event here.
Photographs: Copyright The Phoenix Newspaper