The Sandbag Times Issue No: 46

SBT NEWSDESK
With Jim Wilde
Hi folks, and welcome to
the Newsdesk. This
month, as Pablo will agree,
has been a very busy
month, from not only the
World Cup, the sizzling weather
and of course the constant stream
of news topics worthy of a mention.
You will have noticed that there have been a few
changes since the last issue. namely, the way
that we are reporting the news, and the daily
updates. We have put the audio
broadcasts/updates on the back burner for now,
whilst we try out the new video platform which
enables us to bring you live video content and
pictures to support the stories in the news. We
hope that you enjoy this new feature whilst we
develop the system, and grow our viewing audience.
This new broadcast medium allows us to bring
you all the latest in the Military and Veterans
world, whilst at the same time allows you to get
involved by sending in your clips and pictures to
be featured not only in the magazine, but in the
"Live" news updates each day. It may be that
you wish to raise awareness for a particular
topic, and have images you would like to submit
to go along with your comments. I have to be
careful I don't tread on Pablo's toes with my topics,
or steal any of his thunder though :) What
we would ask is, that you SHARE the posts wide
and far to get the message out there.
Over the last few weeks, one of the more serious
topics has been the increase in suicides in
the military and veterans world, and this really
does need to be addressed. In recent broadcasts
we have highlighted the fact that the
Ministry of Defence and Government does NOT
record veterans suicides, and this really does
have to change. This can only happen if WE get
involved. Sitting back behind our keyboards and
expecting the Government or MOD to address
these issues does not work. It is down to us.
In the last few weeks, there have been a number
of situations when a fellow veteran has needed
help, and the system has failed them, and continues
to do so. As a result, a number of sites
on Social Media have been set up with the sole
purpose in getting help to those that need it, in
a speedy and effective way. I cannot talk about
these issues without sending out huge respect
to the following organisations, who really are
going the extra mile to make sure we prevent
further casualties to the hideous disease that is
P.T.S.D. we have our very own walk in centre in
Worcester called the "Tommy Atkins Trust",
whose details are easily found elsewhere in this
magazine, and online.
A special mention has to go out to Jeff Williams,
a former Royal Marine Sgt Major, who has taken
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