”Hang on a minute, I’ve been shot”

Quoted as uttering the best line of the war, Paul Fear takes us to the moment he had reason to say it back in 2007 in Afghanistan.  Paul and I served together in the early 90's.  He left and subsequently re joined.  He found himself in Afghanistan fighting at close quarters with the Taliban until one day it didn't go his and a few others way.  After 6 more years he took the opportunity to leave with a pay out and a pension.. ..except it never came.  With a determined wife who fought for his dues all the way to the Prime Minister, the MOD eventually relented.  Once again, the Government failed those it asked to go fight on its behalf. Years later working for Sky, the fall of Kabul brings it all back..and credit where credit is due the NHS via Op Courage stepped up. The brutality of engaging with the enemy,  fighting for what your due against your former employer, to eventually needing help is a story we hear all too often from this cohort.

Op Courage is the NHS answer to helping Veterans with their mental health - and this episode is a perfect example of what is does.  Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)