Decorated Army nurse Karen Jamieson is one of 50 veterans, carers, and staff from Help for Heroes who will commemorate the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in the military at the Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Sunday in London.
After an incredible 40 years of Army service, she is retiring from the military next month but will continue to support veterans and their families as a Veterans’ Community Nurse at Help for Heroes.
“Remembrance is an important time that allows me to reflect on my career and some of the people I served with or cared for. I also honour those who didn’t make it back and those who have gone to soon due to illness and disease,” said Karen, 59, from Wigmore who was awarded the prestigious Associated Royal Red Cross medal by Queen Elizabeth.
She served with Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps for 37 years and has almost completed three years as a Major in the Army Reserves. Her career has included multiple operations tours to warzones including the Gulf War, Afghanistan, the Balkans and Northern Ireland.
“Although I have served in many conflict zones it is important to remember and thank those that went before me and those who continue to serve and are currently away from home and loved ones,” Karen added.
She will be part of Help for Heroes largest delegation, including 31 veterans supported by the Charity, to attend the annual parade which sees 10,000 veterans marching shoulder to shoulder in an act of remembrance along Whitehall.
“I will feel very honoured to be part of the march-past at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. It will be the last time I will be in service dress before I retire from the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Navy Corps – after 40 years’ service it will be emotional,” added Karen who now lives in Nuneaton.
A Help for Heroes spokesperson added: “As we join the nation to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country, Help for Heroes also remembers those still fighting their own battles today.
“We remain at the side of veterans and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes.”
