Council appoints Royal Navy veteran as Armed Forces Champion / Cyngor yn penodi cyn-filwr y Llynges Frenhinol yn Hyrwyddwr

Neath Port Talbot Council has underlined its commitment to the British Armed Forces this week by appointing Royal Navy Veteran and Briton Ferry East Councillor Chris James to the role of Armed Forces Champion.

The announcement comes ahead of Armed Forces Week, which runs from 19th to 25th June.

In his new role Councillor James will help raise the profile of the armed forces community and strive to achieve greater public understanding and awareness of the issues affecting it. He will advocate on its behalf and aim to ensure its interests are properly considered by and prioritised within the Council’s policies and strategies.

Speaking of his new role, Councillor James said:

“It is a great privilege to be asked to take on the role of Armed Forces Champion for the county borough. I feel very passionately that people who put themselves on the line whilst serving their country, and after service, should be treated well by the community.

“Historically this country doesn’t have a very good record of supporting our service people when they become veterans. However, that is starting to change and I want to be part of that change for the benefit of the armed forces community in this area.”

Councillor James joined the Royal Navy in 1990. Whilst working in Naval Operations he served in both the Sierra Leone and Afghanistan conflicts before leaving in 2005 after being injured in service.

Councillor James was appointed to the role by Council Leader, Rob Jones who said:

“Chris will be an excellent Armed Forces Champion. As a veteran himself, he will be totally committed to the role and can empathise with service people and the issues that affect them and their families. I have every confidence that he will be tireless in driving forward improved access to services and support for serving and ex-service men and women.”