The Gwent County Branch of the Royal British Legion has launched this year’s 2011 Poppy Appeal.
The official launch took place on Friday at the historical Raglan Barracks in Newport.
Present at the Appeal’s launch was 40-year-old Flight Sergeant Mark Butcher, who lives in Croespenmaen.
Flight Sgt Butcher, who is heading out to Afghanistan in December for a six month tour, said: “I am a proud to support the Royal British Legion as it provides excellent support facilities to HM Forces Personnel, Ex-Servicemen and their Families.
“In addition to extensive welfare support, the legion is pro-active in providing help and advice to personnel who are leaving the Service. This can take the form of assistance with job vacancies, pension information and guidance to service families who are finding it difficult to cope without the support network provided by the military.
“The annual Poppy Appeal is now a major date in the calendar for both a serviceman and the general public. The overwhelming support for the Poppy Appeal provides a vital financial lifeline to assist and support the injured and to honour the memory of service personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
As The Royal British Legion celebrates 90 years of support to the service and ex-service community and their families, the Poppy Appeal 2011 is seeking to help raise £40 million through various fundraising events and the Poppy Appeal.
The legion has committed £50 million over ten years to pay for the creation and operation of the Royal British Battle back centre and to fund costs of the Personnel Recovery Centres in the UK and a facility in Germany.
The recovery programme will help around 1,000 service personnel each year for the next ten years.
Gwent County Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator Mike Jones said: “As we launch this years Poppy Appeal, our thoughts naturally go to those members of our Armed Services who are currently deployed overseas on Operations.
“I have no doubt that sadly some of those men and women will need British Legion assistance in the future. Despite the current economic times, we trust the people of Gwent will continue to show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country”.
Last year’s Poppy Appeal raised £266,355 in Gwent which contributed to the Welsh total of £2,702,299. Nationally the appeal raised £36,651,340.
Seventy plus people in Gwent have already signed up for the Great Gwent Poppy Run – a challenging seven mile run through Cwmcarn Scenic Drive on Sunday November 6.
Places are still available and can be booked on 07875 089933 or by visiting www.britishlegionorg.uk/greatgwentrun
Islwyn MP Chris Evans has signed up for the race and is urging people to show their support by logging on to his online fundraising page www.justgiving.com/chrisevansmp
Mr Evans said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and I am delighted to take part in the run in support of the Royal British Legion.
“There are many ex service families throughout the constituency and the advice and support given to them by The Royal British Legion is invaluable.
“I hope people throughout Islwyn will log on to my page and support our veterans.”