RAF veteran Jason Wood from Oakham to share poem at Remembrance Day service

A veteran who turned his hand to writing as part of his mental health recovery has written a poem to mark Remembrance Day.

Jason Wood from Oakham served 26 years as a chef in the Royal Air Force.

He enjoyed his time in the RAF, which took him to almost every environment possible, and be involved in many high-profile functions, including being sous chef for Michelin-starred Glynn Purnell at a final banquet for the BBC’s Great British Menu.

After leaving the Armed Forces in 2012, Jason struggled to adjust to civilian life, finding it hard to settle in one place and moving from job to job.

In 2018, he sadly reached crisis point with his mental health, suffering post-traumatic stress, severe depression and anxiety. At times he had wanted to end his own life.

But in 2023, Jason turned to Op Courage, an NHS service developed with people who have served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health.

Jason said: “My time under Op Courage has been invaluable. The support from people who are solely veteran focused makes so much difference, giving me great peace of mind.

“I count myself truly lucky and blessed that I was afforded the opportunity to work with Op Courage and would recommend the service to anyone who is having troubles.”

Writing poetry as part of his recovery has also really helped Jason and he continues to take part in a local poetry group.

He is keen to share his poetry with other veterans and has been invited to read ‘The Eternal Poppy’ at a Royal British Legion Remembrance Day service in Oakham.

Doug Wing, operational lead for Midlands Op Courage, said: “Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for veterans, bringing back memories from their time in service and those they served alongside.

“We want to remind any veterans who might be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing that they’re not alone. We’re here to help and all it takes is one call.”

Veterans, their families or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net

More details are available at www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk

The Eternal Poppy by Jason Wood

Emblazoned on our chest

we wear a symbol of the lost

but it's not one day each year

we should recall their ultimate cost

to be immortalised by Colonel McCrae

staying indelible on our minds

so we come together annually

and see their sacrifices aren't denied

Yet it's not our Tommies alone

we’ll remember at this time

for many a brave patriot

has signed that dotted line

pledging allegiance to our Monarch, country and comrades

a ceremony we all hold dear

to pay a debt we can't evade

From our brave noble flyers

over Dover cliffs so white

to our valiant troops at Normandy

and sailors engaged in Baltic plight

World War 1 - The Great War

forever it will be penned

still conflicts waged around the world

seemingly never end

Iraq - Belize - Afghanistan

Northern Ireland and The Falklands

Sierra Leone - Kenya

and a reflection of The Balkans

They return to Blighty heroes

some with afflictions and disabilities

but also some will bare the scars

the ones you cannot see

So with respect, poise and pride

we congregate as a family

to honour and remember

those who came before

with, The Eternal Poppy