To recognise the achievements of the Army’s junior soldiers and underline the ABF’s enduring support for the whole Army family, we are delighted to sponsor the Pace Stick presented to the Junior Regimental Sergeant Major at Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate.
The award recognises the values, standards, and leadership demonstrated by the recipient throughout their time at the College. AFC Harrogate conducts two courses each year and the ABF’s award is presented to the best junior soldier from each intake.
The Army Foundation College is a longstanding supporter of the ABF, having raised a huge amount for the charity, and its programme is designed to prepare young people for their careers in the Army. The most recent Graduation parade, which was attended by the ABF’s Northeast regional team in August, marked the successful completion of training for 680 Junior Soldiers, celebrating months of hard work, determination and personal achievement.
During the event, Brigadier Andy Garner, Commandant Soldier Academy, presented Junior RSM Monasterska with a miniature engraved Pace Stick to keep. A full sized version of the ABF-sponsored award is retained by the College.
Throughout the day, the team met current and former members of the Army family, many of whom shared their own experiences of support from the ABF.
Barney Barnbrook, Regional Director of the Army Benevolent Fund for the Northeast and Yorkshire, said:
“The Army Benevolent Fund congratulates Junior Soldier Monasterska, and all graduating junior soldiers, as they progress to the next phase of their Army careers. It was a privilege to see so many families, friends and supporters come together to share in this important milestone. We are very grateful to the College for its significant efforts to support the ABF’s work.”