11 March 2025
The Northern Ireland Veteran Commissioner’s Office is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its brand-new podcast, Once a Warrior – Life Beyond the Uniform. Over the past two months, Commissioner David Johnstone has recorded six episodes, ready for release later this month.
This podcast serves two key purposes:
- To reach a wider audience, offering insight into the real-life experiences of veterans from all conflicts.
- To educate and document the vital stories of those who have served, ensuring their voices are heard and preserved for future generations.
What to Expect
In our first series, listeners will hear powerful accounts from:
- Glen Espie – A UDR veteran who survived two assassination attempts by the IRA during the Troubles.
- Charlie Marno – A former RSM with the Royal Irish and former Ulster Defence Regiment soldier, now championing veterans through the Defence Guarding Scheme. He shares his personal story of life during the Troubles and his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans today.
- Rosie Rowbotham – A Combat Medic who served in Afghanistan, treating catastrophic battlefield injuries.
- Jen Robinson – An RAF Engineer Officer who talks about her journey from Northern Ireland into the RAF and life after leaving the service.
- Minister for Veterans & People, Al Carns MP – A former Royal Marine Colonel, Military Cross & DSO recipient, now leading efforts in Parliament to improve veteran welfare.
- Commissioner David Johnstone – Sharing his own story, how he became Northern Ireland’s second Veterans Commissioner, and what he hopes to achieve during his time in post.
This is just the beginning. Future episodes will feature veterans from the RAF, Navy, and Army, providing an authentic look at military life and service.
If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Commissioner’s Office at commissioner@nivco.co.uk.
Stay tuned for more updates and links to our first episodes – we can’t wait to share this exciting project with you!
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