Afghan heroes form community
A new charity for Afghanistan veterans has been launched in London, with government, industry and cross-party backing. The UK Afghanistan Veterans Community (AVC) was formally unveiled at an event attended by Veterans’ Minister Alistair Carns MP and sponsored by Rolls-Royce.
The charity, founded by former servicemen and women, aims to ensure Afghanistan veterans are remembered and supported. It follows research revealing that 92% of veterans fear their sacrifices will be forgotten.
Government support
Speaking at the launch, Mr Carns – who served five tours in Afghanistan – said: “I’m pleased to see the AVC officially launch its platform to communicate, commemorate and educate the nation on the sacrifices made by the Afghanistan veterans’ community. “This government recognises the contributions made by our Armed Forces personnel, and initiatives such as this help to ensure their efforts are never forgotten.”
The charity has already staged events marking ten years since the end of combat operations and took part in its first march-past at the Cenotaph during the 2024 National Remembrance Parade.
Clear mission
AVC’s work will focus on three pillars: Communicate, Commemorate and Educate. Leaders say the model is inspired by previous generations, such as the Normandy Veterans Association and Burma Star Association, whose members fought to ensure comrades were not overlooked.
The launch builds on a parliamentary report produced with support from M&C Saatchi World Services, which warned that many veterans fear their role in the 20-year conflict will fade from memory.
Industry role
Rolls-Royce, which employs many veterans and their families, has committed to backing the new charity. A company spokesperson said: “Supporting the launch of the Afghanistan Veterans Community is an important way to recognise their contribution and the sacrifices made by so many.
“We stand alongside them to ensure their service is honoured and they are supported, respected and never forgotten.”
The engineering giant is a Gold award holder under the UK Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.
Cultural spotlight
The launch event also premiered the Veterans Voices Film, featuring testimony from Afghanistan veterans and narrated pro bono by actor Shaun Dooley, best known as the voice of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The film aims to bring personal stories to the forefront, putting faces and voices to statistics that highlight widespread concern about being forgotten.
Looking ahead
The AVC is calling on veterans, charities, industry partners and the public to join its work. It wants to build a nationwide network that recognises veterans as a national asset. With support from ministers, MPs, peers, former ambassadors and major employers, the charity is positioning itself as a rallying point for the Afghanistan veterans’ generation.
Its message is simple: Afghanistan veterans will not be forgotten.
