Armed Forces Day celebrations begin in Salford

A number of special guests were welcomed to the university to mark the occasion, including Colonel Darren Doherty (Commander North West Region), Colonel Graeme Rainey (Officer Cadet Training Regiment), Capt. Laura Alldritt (Permanent Staff Officer in Manchester), the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford and consort and some of our alumni who have a link to the Armed Forces.

Dr Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience at the University of Salford spoke about the support the university provides to the Armed Forces and the ongoing commitment it has made in signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Colonel Rainey then explained the Future Soldier transformation programme and the aim to increase engagement with industry and academia to ensure a more global, agile and sustainable future for our Armed Forces.

A student from the Officer Cadet Training Regiment raised the flag outside the university’s Old Fire Station, before the visitors enjoyed a tour of Energy House 2.0 and the facilities in our School of Health and Society.

Colonel Doherty said: “Thanks to the University of Salford for hosting today’s event. We’ve been delighted to experience what Salford has to offer; seeing the facilities on offer has opened my eyes to the amazing potential here for future partnership work.”

Victoria Coomber, University of Salford Armed Forces Engagement Lead, said: “Armed Forces Day is a wonderful opportunity to show our support and appreciation for the people who make up the Armed Forces community.

“The University of Salford has a proud track record of working with, and supporting, the Armed Forces community in many ways, including in relation to injury/pain rehabilitation, PTSD/trauma management, military history, and security and intelligence. We are also proud to lead the UK’s first ever research focusing on military veterans and welfare reform.”