Joint UK/US project named 2017 Soldiering On Award winners

Project Gemini, a joint UK/U.S. support project for blind veterans, was named recipient of the International Award at the 2017 Soldiering On Awards, held Friday, 24 March in London in the presence of the charity’s patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC.

Sponsored by Airbus Defence and Space, the International Award recognises outstanding achievements, acts of personal sacrifice or comradeship demonstrated internationally, by individuals, groups or associations which have supported the British Armed Forces Community.

Project Gemini was set up in 2011 for British and American former service personnel who had lost their sight. Its objective is to share knowledge of rehabilitation and training and to strengthen relations between Blind Veterans UK and Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) as well as the veterans they support. Every year participants meet for a week in both the United Kingdom and the U.S., to take part in local activities, share stories, and learn from each other to improve the lives of blind veterans in both countries. It is the perfect example of international cooperation being fostered and grown to benefit both countries' armed forces communities.

Project Gemini was selected by a distinguished Independent Judges Panel, co-chaired by General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL and Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change.

Earl Howe said: “The Soldiering On Awards recognise the amazing contribution that former members of the Armed Forces continue to make to society and also those individuals, charities, groups and animals in the wider community who support their journey. We believe that we are all part of one community and are stronger together supporting each other.”

Hosted by award-winning journalist Angela Rippon and former Royal Marine medic Cassidy Little, the 2017 Soldiering On Awards recognized 46 finalists in 10 categories, naming each category winner.

Finalists were nominated by members of the public and more than 40 charities and not-for-profit organisations either representing or associated with the wider Armed Forces Community.

The Soldiering On Through Life Trust encourages support for the UK’s Armed Forces Community by nationally recognising the achievements of groups or individuals supporting this Community through the annual Soldiering On Awards.

Soldiering On Awards: National Recognition for the Armed Forces Community.

For highlights of the 2017 Soldiering On Awards visit: www.soldieringon.org