The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, has announced the appointment of a new Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone. David Johnstone has 26 years distinguished military experience, having joined the Royal Irish Rangers (Reserve) in 1988. David commissioned from Sandhurst in 1991 and attained the rank of Major before leaving the […]
At the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, we’re committed to finding new and meaningful ways to reach out and engage with the veteran community here in Northern Ireland. This past Remembrance Weekend, we had the honour of hosting a memorable event that brought veterans together to commemorate their service and sacrifice. On Saturday, […]
Read More… Celebrating and Honouring Veterans: A Special Remembrance Event at Windsor Park
4 November 2024 Remembrance is a powerful time of year, a solemn yet vital occasion for veterans of all ages across every branch of service and conflict. For many, it’s a time to reflect, remember, and honour the sacrifices made by fellow servicemen and women. This year, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office sought to […]
Read More… Voices of Remembrance – NI Veterans personal reflections
16 October 2024 Following the recent announcement, applications for the position of Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner are now officially open. This newly advertised role seeks a dedicated individual to represent and advocate for veterans interest across Northern Ireland. The Veterans Commissioner will be responsible for providing support and guidance to veterans, ensuring their voices are […]
Read More… Applications Now Open for Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner
NI Veterans Newsletter – Issue 1, Is here! We’re excited to announce that the latest edition of the Veterans Newsletter NI, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO), is now available! This edition is packed with updates, news, and stories from across the veterans’ community over the last six months. What’s […]
Veterans in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a groundbreaking new phase of the Veterans, Places, Pathways, and People (VPPP) programme. Backed by the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the VPPP programme is dedicated to creating lasting, sustainable support for veterans and their families as they build stronger futures. The original VPPP programme, […]
Read More… New VPPP Funding Secures a Brighter Future for Northern Ireland Veterans
5 September 2024 “I can confirm that I have today resigned from my position as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. “Following an open and frank conversation with the Secretary of State, I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require. “There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that […]
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner has welcomed the latest efforts to locate the remains of Captain Robert Nairac, an officer who disappeared during the Troubles. The search, which began recently, is taking place on private farmland in the Faughart area near Dundalk. It is being organised by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ […]
Read More… Search for Captain Robert Nairac’s Remains Welcomed by NI Veterans Commissioner
In Northern Ireland, many veterans have chosen to keep their service history private, avoiding the potential political prejudice, security risks, and potential disadvantage that can come with publicly acknowledging their veteran status. For years, this has been a lived reality for those who served, particularly in a region where the past can still cast long […]
Read More… Honouring Veterans in Northern Ireland: A Journey Towards Recognition