VIDEO: "Levelling Up The Experience Of Being A Veteran!"

Today he's announced a National Insurance contributions holiday for businesses that employ veterans saying: " What we are going through at the moment is a process of changes for what it means to be a veteran in this country. It is something I have been campaigning on for many years.

"There is a series of small incremented gains that we are making at the moment whether it's around this, the veterans railcard or guaranteed interview scheme. All these little increments will change what it means to be a veteran in this country. I understand for some this is not quick enough and I understand that, I have huge ambitions around veterans care, but I think it's an important moment.

"It's an important milestone having a job, the single biggest factor improving your life chances if you are a veteran and that of your family as well. I am pleased to finally see this out the door."

WATCH full interview here:

Back in 2019 the Veteran Affairs Office launched and since then the minister and his team have been tackling a number of issues from creating a clear pathway for those struggling with their mental health via Operation Challenge. The Historical Investigations Unit's probes which he says 'weighed heavily' on his 'heart and mind.' There's been the introduction of the veterans ID card for service leavers. Wales is also getting a Veterans Commissioner who will work alongside the six Armed Forces Liaison Officers already in place. The timeline for that role to be introduced is in the next six to twelve months.

The minister is backing The Wave and Greatest Hits Radio South Wales' campaign to help former armed forces personnel in Wales through our Veteran Network Day. Johnny Mercer said: "I think what Bauer Media is doing is brilliant because there is a huge platform out there in the media that can be used for getting people to understand what is available for veterans in the UK. We have got to the point where we have set up services, the challenge is getting people to understand where they are and how to access them - and the media has such a huge role in that."

We held our very first event two years ago at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. Charities and organisations from across the UK travelled to take part in our event. Over two hundred and fifty people attended on the day. There were guest speakers, over 65 stalls - with companies providing work opportunities, education establishments advising on courses, South Wales Police, the DVLA and construction firms offering career advice. There was a free legal clinic, as well as support from the NHS Wales Veteran Network with over 250 people attending. The pandemic prevented us from holding an indoor event in 2020 but we are working on a secret project for this summer.