Two Veterans, once brothers in arms in the war zones of Iraq and now working shoulder to shoulder for Scotland’s largest Veterans charity, say there is no better way to honour Armed Forces Day than to join together to care for the Veterans of Erskine.

Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday, June 24, serves as an annual tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of current and former UK military personnel.

For 45-year-old Nick O’Neill, originally from Clydebank, and Mark Elder, 55 from Erskine, the day holds great significance as it brings back their shared experiences on the frontline of the Iraq War.

However, 20 years on from the beginning of the war, Nick and Mark remain side by side supporting their fellow servicemen and women by leading Erskine’s transport department – championing the charity’s motto as Veterans caring for Veterans.

The duo have transferred their skills over from the army, with Nick, as Erskine’s Transport and Support Service Manager, leading a fleet of 24 vehicles and a department of 15 staff. It is a far cry from his army days, where as a Tank Transporter Driver and Staff Master Driver, he answered to Divisional Headquarters and was responsible for over 2,500 vehicles. Later, as the Senior Soldier, he was responsible for every single vehicle being road worthy.

Mark, an ex-Tank Transporter Driver and Physical Training Instructor, now takes on the role as Erskine’s Transport Supervisor. Mark had previously trained recruits when they joined the Army and served alongside many of them.

Both Nick and Mark served multiple tours of Iraq, among other conflicts including Bosnia and Northern Ireland, witnessing first-hand the physical and emotional toll that war can bring. It was during this time that the pair’s paths intertwined once again having initially met at the early stages of their career.

When Nick landed his role at Erskine in 2019, he was tasked with bringing in new recruits to the transport department. Mark applied, got the role, and since then, the pair have become a staple of the charity and are often seen behind the wheel taking residents of Erskine out on day trips or to hospital appointments. The smooth running of the department is vital to the charity’s residents.

Although the task of the job isn’t lost on them, the duo stress that occasions like Armed Forces Day serve as a reminder as to the importance of their role, and the sacrifices that others have made.

Nick said: “The modern-day society that we live in today is because of the people who serve, many of which are residents at Erskine or under our care. It is thanks to them that we live in a free world, so while they are needing care, I am honoured to be a part of a team who are there for them when they require it most. Armed Forces Day is a reminder of everyone that we served alongside, and the residents that have come to Erskine throughout the years. Being able to play a part in this charity is amazing. Erskine is unique, and as Veterans caring for Veterans, there is no greater honour than to care for our heroes.

“I just get a sense of achievement because I come from a background where I was always part of a team. Having spent 22 years in the army the camaraderie is a massive thing for me and just to wander around the houses and spend time speaking to Veterans and hearing their stories is amazing. It's rewarding just to know that they acknowledge the current military’s respect for them. Times are different but the sort of things that you've had to face are very similar. Being away undertaking dangerous missions in hostile environments. That never changes. You know that remains the same”.

Mark said: “Myself and Nick’s shared experiences in Iraq forged a bond that goes way beyond the battlefield. However, I can only thank him for bringing me to Erskine for the next chapter of my life. The Army is a brotherhood that is never lost, we are always looking out for one another, and we have carried that into our civilian lives. It is privilege to come together again on this occasion to honour our armed forces. Armed Forces Day represents the resilience and strength of our military community, and we are committed to ensuring that no Veteran is left behind.

“Every day at Erskine, we see first-hand the care and support provided to Veterans of all ages – from WWII to the Falklands, and more recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. For that reason, I will never take for granted pulling on the Erskine uniform. It allows me to not only serve those who put their lives on the line, but also to ensure that they receive the quality of care and service that they richly deserve.”

Erskine needs to raise over £10 million per year to keep running. As a charity, it relies on the generosity of supporters to maintain that commitment of care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations Erskine simply cannot continue this work.

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit https://www.erskine.org.uk/armed-forces-day/

or by texting - ERSKINE to 70660 to donate £5

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity is the trading name of Erskine Hospital | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity SC006609