Britons are acknowledging the sacrifices made by serving and former military personnel as part of Armed Forces Week.
Running from 22-27 June, and culminating in Armed Forces Day, it is a time for the nation to thank our Armed Forces community and to remind those who serve that support is available.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) support the yearly event and is there for the Armed Forces community from day one of service.
The charity supported RAF veteran Alan Bell by coming to the aid of his wife, Tracey Ann, who has arthritic spondylitis, a chronic spinal condition that makes it difficult for her to walk and get up and down the stairs.
In 1982, Alan Bell, now 62, joined the RAF at the age of 17 as a painter and finisher looking after aircraft, including Nimrods, Chinooks and Tornadoes and served for 23 years.
Alan was deployed to a number of conflicts, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and Iraq.
He had a lucky escape during the troubles in Northern Ireland when a bullet lodged in the door frame of his Fiat as he drove back to base at Aldergrove Flying Station near Antrim, and his memories of the Gulf War are particularly difficult.
“The actual Gulf War was out in Riyadh and it was during the Scud missile crisis,” Alan told GB News.
RAF veteran Alan Bell and his wife, Tracey Ann spoke to GB News about the Royal British Legion’s work
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GB NEWS
“I found it quite worrying because it was so random. If somebody points a rifle at you and intends to kill you, that’s one thing, but these missiles were just fired into nowhere.
“We lost quite a few lads in that conflict – I remember a Scud missile hit a US mess tent, killing lots of people, so the RAF gunners went running in to help and they were hit as well.
“When our lads were getting killed, it felt very personal. It was unpleasant to see the after effects, but I’m very proud of my service, I really enjoyed being in the RAF, and I always tried to do the right thing, so I can look back with my head held high.
“I really can’t overstate how crucial the Armed Forces are, not just for the defence of our nation, but sometimes you have got to help another nation.
“The Falklands War brought democracy to Argentina because we emphasised and brought to light the corruption of their Government. They got rid of it and got a proper democratic Government, a massive social thing for Britain itself.
“It gives us pride – pride in our nation – you know, it’s not a dirty word, pride. It really isn’t – you can be proud of what we’re trying to achieve.”
The Royal British Legion is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to bringing society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community, and ensuring that their unique contribution is not forgotten
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GB NEWS
The Royal British Legion support both veterans and their families. Although Tracey Ann Bell, 45, never served in the military, she was eligible for support from the charity because of Alan’s 23 years in the RAF.
The Bell family could not afford a stairlift for Tracey Ann, who is disabled, and so Alan created a homemade one that gave Tracey Ann her independence, but it was not safe.
The RBL replaced the makeshift stairlift with a new one and also worked with the local council to rip out the couple’s dated bathroom at their home in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, and installed a new wet room, and provided a new state-of-the-art riser/recliner chair to make Tracey Ann more comfortable.
Tracey Ann, who has had arthritic spondylitis since the age of 12, said: “Some days I literally can’t move and Alan has to deal with everything, so the RBL stepping in has made things easier for all of us. My disability means it is difficult to get out and socialise but having that sense of purpose really does make a difference.
“Our Case Officer, Charlotte, was incredible, she made everything so simple. I just assumed we wouldn’t qualify for support because I’ve never served. We weren’t expecting anything, so it was definitely worth it. I don’t think we realised how much help we really needed.”
The Royal British Legion is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to bringing society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community, and ensuring that their unique contribution is not forgotten.
“There are a lot of veterans on the street and a lot of veterans struggling, and the pride is a bit of a thing. You know, they’re not going to come forward and ask – the RBL is going out there kind of looking for these people and some are in a right mess,” said Mr Bell.
“They perhaps haven’t got the support of a family, and they like us, are so grateful for the RBL.”
The couple, who have four children between them, are now looking forward to a simpler life, as they continue to volunteer for their local church, the Salvation Army and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
They take part in Armed Forces Day every year at Cleethorpes, which always hosts a massive annual Armed Forces Weekend, with the seaside town hosting National Armed Forces Day in 2025.
Alan was deployed to a number of conflicts, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and Iraq
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GB NEWS
“It’s huge – they have the Red Arrows, they have the floats, and obviously it’s the World Cup this year, so I imagine there’ll be quite a few World Cup floats this time,” said Tracey Ann Bell.
“It’s so important that we acknowledge the Armed Forces community at events like this one and as part of Remembrance.
“Those men and women, even now, today, are still losing lives, limbs, they’re struggling with PTSD. It’s important that they’re recognised. Some people have been through some horrific times.”
Armed Forces Week runs from 22-27 June 2026 to build public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community – regulars, reserves, veterans, cadets, cadet adult volunteers and military families.
To find out more about Armed Forces Day on 27 June, click HERE.