Mike Penning, MP for the Hemel Hempstead presented over 30 veterans badges at a ceremony at the Royal British Legion Club on Thursday 29th March. (photo: Silver Images)

This was the ninth veterans badge presentation evening organised by Mr Penning’s office and the Royal British Legion, Hemel Hempstead branch. Royal Navy veteran Peter Gibbons, acted as Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to over 30 veterans badges to men and women who have served in all branches of the armed forces, a special Women’s Land Army badge was presented to Barbara Bradding.

During the evening Mike Penning presented a cheque for £200 to Major Bob Fisher (retd), President of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion to go towards the Legion’s welfare work.

A veterans badge was also presented to Kevin and Diane Tomlin, parents of Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin who was killed in the service of his country in Afghanistan last month.

Major Bob Fisher (retd), President of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion also presented a gold badge to 91-year-old Dunkirk veteran and former prisoner of war Ken Blake for outstanding service to the branch. Ken’s father was one of the founders of the Royal British Legion over 90 years ago.

Three couples present celebrated their diamond weddings at the event, including branch standard bearer Colin Cootes and his wife Pauline. The legion made a presentation.

Mike said:
“It is a great honour to present veterans badges to men and women who have served their country. We must never forget the debt of gratitude we owe our veterans and those who continue to serve in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

“I call on veterans to wear their badge often and with pride.”

If you served in the forces – in wartime or peacetime – you are entitled to a veterans badge. An application form can be downloaded from Mike’s website www.penning4hemel.com [1] or call his office on 01442 450444.

Photo: Silver Images www.silver-images.net [2]

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