Page 8 - QARANC The Gazette Spring 2023

8 The Gazette QARANC Association
Deborah Hamilton: ‘Being a trustee doesn’t need a massive time commitment’
WO1 Deborah Hamilton has been a member of The QARANC Association throughout her Army service (of 18 years and counting) She was appointed as QARANC Representative Sergeant Major in August 22 and as part of her role, became an ex officio trustee.
She said: “I joined the Army in August 2004 after doing a few jobs and studying a law degree. My dad was in the RAF and his stories inspired me growing up. I always wanted to experience that moving around, service, pride, and camaraderie for myself.
“I would say the Army has exceeded my expectations, but it feels like it’s gone by in a flash. I still remember my Passing Out parade and seeing my dad there a kilt, beaming with pride.”
Deborah did her nurses training whilst also serving in the Reserves. The Army opened the door to postings oversees including Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan. She took part in exercises in Belize, Kenya, Jordan and Germany. Belize and Jordan in particular were “outstanding” experiences for Deborah.
She explained: “While in Edinburgh, I got told I was being posted to Jordan to train trainers. I look back and realise now how lucky I was, it was an amazing country and friendly people. It’s somewhere I might not otherwise have discovered if not for the Army.”
Deborah is based at DMS Whittington at Lichfield with “lot of QAs coming through”. Her partner is in the Scottish infantry and based at the Mission Ready Training Centre (MRTC) Bassingbourn.
As a QARANC Association Trustee she sits on the Benevolence and Grants Board helping to distribute funds to members. This can be to enable them to attend exercises or sporting events, disability assistance or hardship.
Deborah acknowledges that: “The ‘cost of living’ crisis is quite understandably impacting our serving and retired members. We also support people who have come out of the service due to disability or illness and can signpost them to charities or provide a grant.
My dad was in the RAF and his stories inspired me growing up
“Each case is judged appropriately on its merits, and there is money if they need it. The important thing to stress is that those applications are confidential, as decision makers we are only told the age and background of the applicant.”
Deborah is keen to encourage others to consider applying to be a Trustee. “I wish I’d been involved sooner,” she said. “It is a positive and worthwhile thing to do. It’s not only for the longer in service – we need a mix of ages and backgrounds, so it’s something for younger people to consider as well. My advice is to get in touch with the Association and find out more.
“You don’t need to have lots of time on your hands, it’s not a massive commitment, but you do need to have a passion for the QAs.”
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