Suffolk backs Armed Forces Week

As the Armed Forces Commissioner for Suffolk, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of Suffolk’s Armed Forces Community, the Armed Forces Covenant Board, and the many supporting organisations who have made me feel so welcome since I took over my role last year.

As I attend events across the county, it is a pleasure and a privilege to meet the individuals and organisations who dedicate themselves to ensuring that our Armed Forces personnel, Reservists, Veterans, and their families are not disadvantaged by living or working in Suffolk.

In my role as Chair of the Suffolk Armed Forces Covenant Board, I would also like to take this opportunity during Armed Forces Week to remind you about the three key veteran-focused projects that the Board is promoting.

First, we are committed to strengthening collaboration between statutory and charity sectors. By improving understanding between service and civilian organisations, we aim to enable quicker and more accurate signposting to support for those in need across the county.

Second, we are supporting the VALOUR network. This initiative works to bring together housing, employment, and health services to deliver easier access to care and support for veterans in Suffolk through regional networks.

Third, we will continue to encourage employers, local government, and statutory bodies in Suffolk to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and participate in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme—an important way to recognise and celebrate their support for the Armed Forces Community.

Suffolk is proud to be home to a number of Armed Forces units. These include a small Royal Navy detachment and the Army’s 7 Aviation Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 3 & 4 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham Flying Station; 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, 28 Engineer Regiment (CBRN), and 70 Gurkha Field Squadron, Royal Engineers at Rock Barracks in Woodbridge; and RAF Honington, which hosts 1 Sqn RAF Regiment, the RAF Force Protection Force HQ, the Specialist Police Wing, and 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron.

We also have six Reserve units across the county for both the Army and RAF.

In addition, we value the contribution of our American partners—USAF personnel and families stationed at RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath—who are an integral part of our Suffolk communities.

In total, Suffolk is home to around 3,340 UK military personnel and 415 civilians working in the Armed Forces, and an estimated 30,000 veterans, of whom about 9,500 are of working age.

We also have 2,540 service family members, primarily based around Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, and Woodbridge. Every one of these individuals plays a vital role in keeping our country safe, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Finally, I would like to thank Suffolk County Council, the Lord Lieutenancy of Suffolk, the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, and the many charities and partners who support our Armed Forces Community.

I thank all our local Councils and our Armed Forces Champions for the services they provide and for their vital leadership as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Board.

This Armed Forces Week, let us all reflect on the courage, service, and dedication of our Armed Forces—past and present—and recommit to supporting them in every way we can.

Armed Forces Day in Suffolk will this year take place in Stowmarket at the Recreation Ground, Finborough Road, on Saturday June 27 between 11am and 3pm.

This is a free, family‑friendly celebration with a packed programme of events including military displays, live entertainment throughout the day, including performances by the RAF Honington Band and the Armed Forces Wives Choir, plus a wide mix of stalls and activities, including forces charities, community organisations, children’s attractions and interactive experiences.

It promises to be a fantastic day and a great way to show support, I hope that everyone who can get there has a great time.