Military and ministerial leaders gathered to honour the exceptional contributions of the Armed Forces community at the Soldiering On Awards on the evening of Wednesday, 16th October 2024, at the prestigious Park Plaza Westminster Hotel.
The event showcased the achievements of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, reinforcing their pivotal role in strengthening UK society.
The 2024 Soldiering On Awards honoured excellence and endeavour by individuals and organisations, including serving personnel, veterans, and family members. The event featured twelve diverse categories, with a winner announced in each, amidst a memorable evening of entertainment and speeches attended by representatives from all three military services, military charities, and corporate supporters.
Presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine returned to host the 14th annual Soldiering On Awards, the primary awards programme that celebrates the whole military community.
The event saw the launch of a new charitable project, the Soldiering On Academy, which will enable economically inactive members of the Armed Forces community to confidently re-enter the workforce, with an initial cohort will be Wounded, Injured and Sick veterans.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent a letter of support, lauding the 36 Soldiering On Awards finalists as the very best of the armed forces community; “You showcase the true heights of what we can achieve. I am deeply proud of our serving personnel, veterans, and their families for the contribution you make to our society.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP, addressed the 500 guests and praised the finalists and winners:
“These remarkable individuals, projects and organisations exemplify the valuable and lasting contribution of the Armed Forces community.
“The Soldiering on Awards help to recognise the achievement and selfless commitment of our Service Personnel and Veterans when supporting the nation. Their powerful stories demonstrate what it means to serve our country – they deserve our highest praise.”
Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, said:
“The Soldiering On Awards celebrate the courage, resilience, and teamwork that define our Armed Forces. As Chief of Defence People, I see the dedication of our personnel, veterans, families, and supporting organisations. Their collective efforts are the foundation of our strength.
“Thank you to the Soldiering On Awards for sharing these inspiring stories and highlighting the invaluable contributions of our Armed Forces to society.”
Well known veterans sent encouraging video messages including adventurer Bear Grylls OBE, pilot and astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG and ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Chief Instructor, Billy Billingham MBE QCB.
Tim Peake said:
“It’s because of people like you, the stories you have and the unwavering spirit of service that shines through, that I’m so very proud to be in the Armed Forces family.”
Reflecting on the 2024 Soldiering On Awards cohort, Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE, Chief Executive of X-Forces Enterprise and Soldiering on Awards, commented:
“The finale of the 14th year of the Soldiering On Awards was spectacular, bringing together the highest levels of leadership from government, business, and charity to celebrate the remarkable stories of our military community making a difference in society.
“This theme is echoed in the new Soldiering On Academy, launched tonight, which revives a proven programme to help economically inactive members of our community return to the workforce with skills and support, starting with Wounded, Injured, and Sick veterans.
“My sincere congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners—you truly embody the spirit of our Armed Forces community.”
The evening featured performances from Soprano Christina Johnston, electric string quartet Stringfever, the Ensemble of the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, Army Cadet Piper Harry Gordon and The Queen’s Gurkha Signals performed the Nepalese Khukhuri Dance, plus guests were entertained with table magic by former Commando ‘The Magic Marine’.