Dumfries & Galloway branch volunteer recognised by SSAFA for exemplary support of local Armed Forces community

05 March 2025

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has recognised Liam Wallace of Dumfries for his dedication to helping the local Armed Forces community at its latest Scotland Regional Recognition Awards (RRA).

The biannual awards were established in 2023 to formally acknowledge extra endeavour by SSAFA volunteers, staff and external supporters across its network of 17 branches in Scotland. 

Liam Wallace is one of ten recipients of the latest RRAs, who were recognised with special SSAFA Scotland Region plaques at the charity’s Scotland Resource Committee meeting, held yesterday (4 March) at Volunteer Scotland, Jubilee House, in Stirling.  

Having served in the British Army for 15 years, Liam has an acute understanding of some of the difficulties serving personnel, veterans and their families can face. And as a veteran, he became more aware of SSAFA after meeting members of the Dumfries branch and speaking with local beneficiaries at the Veterans Garden in Dumfries. 

Liam, who is now a SSAFA caseworker and Dumfries and Galloway branch secretary, said: “Seeing the positive impact SSAFA was making in the local community, and the dedication of the team in the branch before and through the coronavirus pandemic, inspired me to become a caseworker. Successfully obtaining funding for a client, improving their circumstances and boosting their outlook is massively rewarding for me.”

While Liam finds his role as a SSAFA caseworker rewarding, it is his support of others that has led to his recognition at the latest RRAs. Nominated by a fellow caseworker at the Dumfries and Galloway branch, Liam’s hard work, dedication, leadership and mentoring within the team are viewed as integral to the branch and its impact on the local community. 

Walter Gallacher, Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee at SSAFA, commented: “The people behind SSAFA, from volunteers to supporters, are what helps us support the Armed Forces community when in need. It is always hard to choose just ten people to recognise from the many who work tirelessly across Scotland, but I am very pleased to congratulate Liam on his award. He has gone above and beyond, managing his own caseload while also training three new caseworkers in the past year alone, all to ensure we give the best possible support to serving personnel, veterans and their families in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Liam added: “I am very appreciative of the recognition – it means a lot. But our branch works as a team, and I’m grateful for their and the wider charity’s dedication to what we do. It makes my role a whole lot easier.”