Side by side with the Chinook Force for 40 years

As the Chinook marks 40 years of service in the Royal Air Force, the Fund is proud to have stood side by side supporting members of the Force in their times of need.

With operations in major conflicts from the 1982 Falklands War and Bosnia, to more recently Iraq and Afghanistan, the Fund has been there for personnel on the Chinook Force when they needed it most. For those individuals who have been deployed, and their families which remain back on home soil, the pressures are well understood by the Fund as deployment, separation and frequent moves can all take their toll.

Wing Commander Matt Roberts, OC 18 (B) Sqn at RAF Odiham, said: "The Chinook Force has been a crucial part of the RAF for 40 years now and has contributed a breathtaking amount to the nation's defence.

"Core to that output is the support our people receive from the RAF Benevolent Fund, whether in the form of direct support to injured personnel and their families, or help via respite care and welfare breaks. I have seen at first hand the positive impact the good work of the Fund has had for my colleagues and know that they will be here alongside the Chinook Force for another 40 years to come."

Heather Kemp, Regional Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, added: "We know that it can be difficult for serving personnel to ask for help. For the past 40 years, the Fund has been there for those members of the Chinook Force who have needed us – emotionally, financially or practically – irrespective of whether they are based at home, or on operations around the globe. As the Chinook enters an exciting vital phase, we're proud to celebrate their seminal anniversary and look forward to standing by their side for many years to come."