at last night’s Isle of Wight full council meeting, Cllr Ian Dore was appointed the Armed Forces Champion for the Isle of Wight
The appointment was put forward by the Chair of the council, backed by the Leader, Alliance group and others; to have Cllr Ian Dore (Ind) replace Cllr Ian Ward (Con) as the Armed Forces Champion.
Peacey Wilcox: The right person for the right job
Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox (Ind) said,
“From the beginning of the Alliance it was our aim to bring the right person for the right job. Cllr Ian Ward has done an absolutely superb job, but it’s good to have a ’new pair of eyes on the ball’.
“Ian has wide appeal and can communicate on every level. He is the driven individual we need to take the Island forward; flying the flag for our Armed Forces.”
Dore: An honour and a privilege
Cllr Dore said,
“As a former soldier from the Isle of Wight, such an appointment is an honour and a privilege. We have a plethora of ex forces personnel here, as well as those that have family currently serving. Then you have the Island itself, boasting a richness in military history and youngsters looking at the Forces as an exciting and enjoyable career. We have a lot to shout about and much to celebrate.
“Initial focus will be on shaping up the mother of all Armed Forces days for next year. A deep dive into where we can can increase support for ex military personnel. Plus of course getting more individuals and businesses involved with the Armed Forces Covenant, taking that to the next level.”
Brodie: Fresh eyes and a fresh outlook for the future
Cllr Geoff Brodie (Ind Lab) said,
“Ian Dore is a boots on the ground individual, someone that has spent time in the trenches and has a wealth of experience.
“Fresh eyes and a fresh outlook for the future.”
Soldier of the Year Award
Cllr Dore served with Royal Corps of Signals with Operational tours including the first Gulf War and Northern Ireland. He travelled extensively as a Landing Point Commander as a member of a Mobile Air Operations Team and in 1993, was the recipient of the hugely coveted ‘Soldier of the Year’ Award.
Cllr Dore continued,
“I would also like to sling up a salute to Councillor Ward, who has not only served his country, but has also done a sterling job for the Armed Forces Community on the Island. It is in part, some of his work that has put us where we are now. That has to be respected and him graciously thanked for, which he was in the chamber and via email.
“Currently we hold the Silver Award for the Armed Forces Covenant and my target is to smash the Gold, bringing that home to the Island. Its achievable and yes, we will have to go that little bit further but as a soldier, that is the standard. As the saying goes, all gave some, some gave all. Well, its our duty to give something back. We have the troops, we have the ambition so we need to dig deep and crack on.”
News shared by Cllr Dore, in his own words. Ed
