SSAFA there for TA families

THIS year marks the centenary of the Territorial Army. TA soldiers are the hidden heroes in our community. Dedicated and professional, they balance their civilian lives with a regular commitment to training and, when called upon, serve alongside their colleagues in the regular army. Winston Churchill referred to them as being "twice a citizen" - squeezing two jobs, two lives into the space in which others barely have time for one.

During this centenary year the Cambridgeshire branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association would like to thank the men and women of Cambridgeshire who unflinchingly dedicate themselves to their TA duties.

With the ongoing pressures on all our armed forces, TA and reserve members have been mobilised in numbers unprecedented in recent history. These reserve forces leave their civilian lives and families at home while they are deployed in the battle-zones of Iraq or Afghanistan, with all the accompanied hardships and dangers.

While they are away, families undergo the stresses of having a loved one on the front line but without the support of the established military community. Having experienced situations that may be unimaginable to many of us, they return and occasionally find it difficult to settle back to civilian life.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association supports those who serve, those who used to serve and the families of both. This includes our TA and Reserve Forces past and present. We are able to provide practical and emotional support before and during deployment, on return and for the rest of their lives.

If you need help or advice, make direct contact with your nearest SSAFA Help Division, including Huntingdon and East Cambridgeshire Division on 01480 812938.

All enquiries from those seeking help will be dealt with confidentially.

Wing Commander BOB CARR

Allen's Orchard

Brampton