Armed Forces Day is significant in the Corps Security calendar. It underpins the very reason we exist as the oldest security company in the world and as a social enterprise. When Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the social mission to provide gainful employment to servicemen returning home after the Crimean War, it was the beginning of a lasting commitment to the Armed Forces.
While the world around us has changed in many ways, the need for dedicated servicepeople who sacrifice so much of themselves to protect our country remains. Equally, the physical and psychological effects that Service can have on Forces personnel are still ever-present. So, it is vital that we continue with our social mission to support our Armed Forces.
Returning to civvy street
With approximately 3% of the UK workforce currently made up of veterans, we are proud to have a significant number of our own Corps colleagues as ex-service people. We maintain close partnerships with Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, and SSAFA, the armed Forces charity, to offer tailored support for the ex-military community as they reintegrate to civvy street.
Today in particular, we celebrate our own ex-service colleagues and the wider Armed Forces community for their bravery and dedication to keeping our country safe with a roll call of some of our Corps veteran colleagues.
Roll call
Terrance Moore served in the Royal Irish Regiment from 1985 to 1997 before leaving service and beginning a career in security. Now a security relief officer at Corps, Terrance believes its Corps’ unique military feel and understanding of the challenge of returning to civvy street that make it an ideal company for ex-military personnel.
Martin Weller joined the First Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1979. Stationed for training in Brecon, Wales, Martin’s service took him to Germany, Northern Ireland, and Port Stanley in the Falklands. After leaving in 1989 in search of new challenges, security was a natural fit. Today, as a security officer at the Office for National Statistics, Martin emphasises the importance of support for the Armed Forces in respect for what they sacrifice to protect our freedoms, particularly following the difficult times we’ve faced globally.
James Henderson started in the Parachute Regiment before joining Royal Military Police. After his service that took him to Norway, Germany, Northern Ireland and Bosnia, James transferred his military training to a career in close protection security and is now a national security consultant at Corps Consult.
Darrell Jacques entered service in 1979, joining the Royal Artillery stationed in Germany with tours in Northern Ireland and Canada. After leaving service in 1994 following phase one redundancy, Darrell turned to security which has led him to become regional director, northern region, at Corps Security today.
Gail Houston first worked in the Royal Naval Reserve during the early 80s. Stationed at Gosport with the Submarine Service, Gail served four tours in Gibraltar, two tours in the Falklands, and on to Northern Ireland. By the mid 90s, dissatisfied with progression opportunities within the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Gail joined Corps Security. 26 years later, Gail is an administrator at Corps Security based in Belfast.
John Ford’s career in security began in 1998. By 2014, John had joined Corps Security and a year later joined the Royal Air Force and is still a serving Reservist today. John is a regional director for London and the South East.
Support our Armed Forces
In support of Armed Forces Day, Corps Security is taking part in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk, raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, with many of our team wearing their military uniforms during the charitable activity.
Visit our social media platforms for updates and please support the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk by donating here.
