Former soldier Councillor Johno Lee reflects on importance of marking Armed Forces Week

Councillor Johno Lee, elected to the Balderton ward on 6 May this year, believes that it is “important to reflect on the sacrifice of veterans and those still serving to ensure our safety” during Armed Forces Week.

He himself is “proud to have served” and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Councillor Lee lost a leg in 2007 whilst serving one tour in Afghanistan. Beforehand, in 2003 and 2006, he served two tours in Iraq.

He “lost friends and colleagues” – both in action and consequentially from suicide upon their return from active duty.

After leaving the army, Councillor Lee started a work placement as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s social care and support services.

Planned to last for just six weeks, this role eventually lasted 18 months as he became deeply enthused by its beneficial role within the community.

Through his work as part of family intervention projects, he acquired a “real feel for Nottinghamshire’s young people services and the crucial role of foster care” in the region.

After initially deciding to train as a social carer, Councillor Lee then decided to enter local politics to utilise his newly acquired experience and knowledge from his “twelve-year journey” and improve social care policies.

He was also appointed a council Armed Forces Advocate; a role Councillor Lee says he is “proud and privileged” to hold.

“I look forward to working with Councillor Keith Girling, officers and local veterans to the benefit of Armed Forces personnel past and present”.

“We will endeavour to keep up the great work of Councillor Girling and ensure a gold standard of care supplied by the County Council to veterans and those still serving”.

Councillor Girling, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, stated that “when anyone thinks about honouring the armed forces, most people think of Remembrance Sunday in honour of those who have given their lives and our veterans”.

“Arms Forces Week is about saying thank you to all those who are serving now and risking their lives so that we may live in peace”.

“This is a distinction which should be remembered, and we should be thankful that our service men and women are prepared to risk their lives for us”.