New centre supports homeless forces veterans

Falklands veteran Simon Weston and comedian Jim Davidson have opened a new centre to help armed forces veterans. It'll provide accommodation and support for servicemen and women struggling to adjust to civilian life. The first resident will move in tomorrow, after living on the streets. Richard Jones reports. Read more and watch video Here

GUARDIAN WRITER: IF BURNED FALKLANDS HERO KNEW ANYTHING, ‘HE’D STILL HAVE HIS FACE

A Guardian contributer, Richard Seymour, has sparked outrage today after dismissing a British war hero’s comments on the Falklands Islands, in which he attacked Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn for planning to “surrender” to Argentine demands. Seymour slammed war veteran Simon Weston on Facebook, claiming, “If he knew anything, he’s still have his face”. Weston was horrifically burned in the Argentine attack on the RFA Sir Galahad in 1982.

Seymour, who is the author of the Lenin’s Tomb blog was responding to the article published by the Telegraph, posted by a Facebook friend of his. In the article, Weston noted of Mr Corbyn’s plans: “It is a repugnant idea. I don’t see why it should happen given that the Argentines never had the islands. They have no right to them.

“It could cause civil war again by emboldening the Argentinians. It frightens me enormously because he claims to be such a supporter of democratic freedoms while what he is suggesting throwing the Falkland islanders right to democracy out.

“I don’t ever see him winning an election because his policies and his attitudes just won’t wash with the British public.”

Seymour didn’t quite see it that way. But instead of responding to Mr Weston’s points, he wrote beneath the article: “Seriously, who gives a shit what Simon Weston thinks about anything? If he knew anything he’d still have his face.”
Read more HERE 


(RG) If it was not for servicemen like Simon Weston and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this Country so called journalists like Richard Seymour would not be at liberty to spout his cowardly attack on a soldier that was horrifically burnt in the Falklands War. When we go to War we don’t do it for any political party and Simon did not go for Margaret Thatcher or the Tories, many of the Welsh guards came from mining communities and would most likely be Labour voters. The same with the Iraq War British troops did not go into Iraq for Tony Blair and the Labour party, they went because they are professional and go where their Government tells them. Simon was giving his opinion on what he thinks is best for the Falkland Islands and looking at his scars I would say he has that right. So to answer your question, “Who gives a shit what Simon Weston thinks? “ Quite a majority of this Country actually and the people of the Falkland Islands that were invaded by a Fascist dictatorship. As for you Richard you have now had your two minutes of fame, Simons memory along with those that lost their lives fighting for each other will live on forever. Every time you attack one of us we will close ranks and defend each other for a reason that you could never understand because your twisted view of the world does not include Honour, Respect, Patriotism and brotherhood, I actually pity you.

Jim Davidson and Falklands hero Simon Weston help jailed veterans go straight

COMEDIAN Jim Davidson has teamed up with Falklands ­veteran Simon Weston to find ­mentors for former servicemen jailed after falling on hard times.They want to improve opportunities for rehabilitation and reduce the chances of re-offending.

The 61-year-old Celebrity Big Brother winner said: "If the person has done the crime, then they should serve the time but we don't want them to go back in.

"We are asking veterans who can spare the time once or twice a month to visit an assigned service veteran in prison to be their buddy and to help them when they come out.

It is someone who will understand their problems and someone who they can trust.

We are asking mentors to help fellow veterans to get their lives back on track."

Falklands veteran Mr Weston, 53, added: "When the law has run its course, we want to help these ­veterans, help rehabilitate them and help their families as well."

Their impassioned plea is part of a Care after Combat charity ­initiative backed by Justice ­minister Mike Penning. Mentors must be 20 to 75 ready to help freed offenders with such things as job interviews.

Mr Davidson added: "One prisoner summed up the feelings of most when he told us, 'Will you let everyone know, I am so sorry for letting the side down.'
Read more HERE

(RG) I dont have a problem helping some prisoners especially ex servicemen, everyone deserves a second chance apart from sex offenders.

Falklands War veteran Simon Weston opens Swansea Museum trench exhibition

A FALKLANDS War veteran has opened an exhibition about a much older conflict in Swansea.

Simon Weston visited Swansea Museum to launch the First World War trench exhibition, which includes a full-size replica trench, as would have been made by soldiers in the 1914 to 1918 conflict.

The museum is marking the centenary of the outbreak of the war with a variety of different displays.

The exhibit has been organised by curator Garethe El Tawab and staff members Paul Eivjjrida and Glenda Thomas. Read more HERE 

Falklands veteran Simon Weston calls for more realistic portrayal of wounded soldiers

FALKLANDS War veteran Simon Weston has called for a more realistic portrayal of injured service personnel to warn people about the dangers of joining the Armed Forces.The charity campaigner, who sustained serious injuries in the 1982 conflict, said that media coverage of service men and women injured during combat was cherry-picked to show individuals who were coping relatively well with their injuries. Read more  HERE  

"Well said Simon."

Simon Weston: 'Falklands War was right then and still feels right now'

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