Colonel James Phillips made first Wales Veterans

The Office for Veterans Affairs and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales have jointly appointed Colonel James Phillips as Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales.

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said he was delighted that James Phillips had been appointed to the role, which will build on the success of counterpart roles in Scotland and Northern Ireland and will mean that all devolved nations have a Veterans’ Commissioner.

James will be working to enhance the support for veterans in Wales, as well as scrutinising and advising on government policy for veterans.

The establishment of a Welsh Veterans Commissioner will ensure that the particular needs and contributions of veterans in Wales are represented.

The Veterans’ Commissioner will help direct veterans and their families to local support available in areas such as healthcare and mental health provision, housing and employment, as well as assisting charities and advocating for the veteran community in Wales.

The appointment has been announced as Wales celebrates St David’s Day and during Wales Week in London, where the UK Government is holding a number of events.

James has just completed his own transition to civilian life after 33 years in the Army. He has served in Germany, Cyprus, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. He has commanded soldiers, sailors and air personnel and worked in NATO, MOD, Joint and Army Headquarters. He is married and lives in Pembrokeshire with 4 children and a very boisterous Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The First Wales Veterans, Colonel James Phillips and Sergeant John Charles, were honoured at a special service at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff on 8 November 2013. Phillips was born in Cardigan in 1846 and served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers from 1863 to 1868. Charles enlisted in the regiment in 1868 and served until his death in 1901.