Sir,

Through the columns of the Beacon I wish to thank the people of Monmouth and the surrounding areas for their generosity in donating over £1000.00 to the Army Benevolent Fund during the ABF's Flag Day in Monmouth on Friday, July 3rd.

Sadly, we here in Monmouth are only too aware of the sacrifices our young soldiers make in Afghanistan and each week we hear of further sacrifices. 

However, we tend not to hear of the injuries received by members of the Regular Army and the TA serving in Afghanistan and the associated challenges they and their families face during their recovery whilst serving in the Army, and when they leave.

The funds raised by the ABF, such as the £1000.00+ given in Monmouth are used to help those serving and former soldiers and their families who have  needs - urgent and long-term, which are not met by the usual facilities within the NHS and Social Services. 

The ABF's oldest recipient of assistance is 105 years old and the youngest is five years old and given the current and indicated level of commitments of the Armed Forces, the ABF has forecast that instead of the needs of former soldiers declining as veterans pass on, the needs will continue. 

The ABF works with the Royal British Legion, SSAFA/Forces Help, the Regimental Associations and other Service charities such as BLESMA, Combat Stress and St Dunstan's to ensure that assistance goes where it is most needed. 

The ABF needs our help to Support our Soldiers.  There is an ABF Gwent Committee, which I have the privilege to chair, which organises fund-raising activities in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen. 

The small committee  works extremely hard, but we should welcome fresh and perhaps younger blood to bring in new ideas - the commitment need not be great. 

Therefore if there is interest to contribute, please e-mail ([email protected]">[email protected]) or by 'phone (01600 740647).

Andrew Tuggey  

(Secretary Commonwealth

Parliamentary Association)