SSAFA Dundee and Angus volunteers celebrate combined 15 years of support for the Armed Forces community

06 May 2026

An Angus duo who spearhead support for the local Armed Forces community have been recognised for their dedicated service with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. 

Rae Dick and John Alexander count 15 years of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families between them, and have been recognised with Long Service Awards.  

Glamis resident Rae, 75, a grandmother-of-nine and whose son served for 23 years in the Blues and Royals, began her SSAFA journey in 2016 and held roles as a caseworker and Branch Secretary before stepping up as a SSAFA Dundee and Angus Branch Chair. 

Meanwhile grandad-of-two John, 65, who lives in Carnoustie, joined SSAFA in 2021 and currently serves as Branch Treasurer. 

Rae said: “I feel very honoured to have been recognised by my peers; I can’t believe it has been 10 years! I get great satisfaction from volunteering with SSAFA. We make a palpable difference to people’s lives and have a strong team ethos within SSAFA Dundee and Angus Branch.” 

John added: “I’m part of a great team at SSAFA, and having the opportunity to help others and make a positive change in their lives is a real highlight for me.” 

Rae and John were presented with their Long Service Awards at SSAFA’s biennial Scotland Volunteer Conference, which saw more than 100 SSAFA volunteers and staff gather together in Glasgow. 

Walter Gallacher, SSAFA’s Scotland Regional Chair and Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee, said: “At SSAFA we’re proud to be able to provide dedicated support that’s tailored to the Forces experience wherever people are and whatever challenges they face – so that the Armed Forces community never battle alone.  

“It’s thanks in no small part to the dedication of people like Rae and John that SSAFA can deliver on that mission. I sincerely congratulate them on their awards and thank them for their dedicated service.” 

SSAFA Dundee and Angus Branch volunteers are available for in-person support every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm at Oliver Barracks, Dalkeith Road, Dundee. Requests for support can also be made to SSAFA’s Scottish Regional Office team by emailing ScottishRegional.Office@ssafa.org.uk, or by telephone on 01414 888552.