Veterans charity chief collects award

Thursday 26 January, 2012 - CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy received his OBE from HRH The Prince of Wales and celebrated afterwards with  friends and colleagues from the 80-year-old charity. He was joined by his wife Lorraine, daughters Sophie and Victoria, staff and residents from the Westminster Drop-In Centre,  Stepney hostel New Belvedere House and a variety of friends.

In a buffet hosted by The Guards Museum afterwards he paid tribute to the spirit that made Veterans Aid a unique. He said afterwards  "The day was truly special for us as a family.  We were made to feel so welcome, not only at the Palace but at the Guards Museum afterwards where staff, friends and clients of Veterans Aid came together to celebrate the award.  

"Everyone at the Museum went out of their way to make the day truly memorable and we were lucky enough to have had Malcolm Crowthers taking photographs!  And to top the day off, we had a fabulous family meal at the Army & Navy Club, which has adopted Veterans Aid, where we were made to feel so welcome.  It was a truly awesome day and one we will remember forever."

Hostel manager Pat O'Connor spoke for all  VA's staff when she said "I have so much respect for Hugh, it’s not a job to him, it is a vocation.  He has time  for everyone who comes through Veterans Aid's doors. All the guys  who came to  the Guards Museum  wanted to be there to celebrate  with Hugh and his family. They felt really felt proud to be involved and so did we. Words cannot say what I really felt. Hugh truly deserved the OBE."

.