The Rifles formed in 2007 and have served with great bravery and distinction almost continuously for the past 3 years in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However the sacrifice made by our Riflemen has been immense and the Regiment is now focusing on assisting those whose lives have been changed forever. The Rifles have lost 54 Killed in Action and each devastated family must be able to call on the Regiment for support if it is needed. In addition 23 Riflemen have lost limbs, two have been blinded and three have long term neurological problems. A further 20-30 have suffered significant injuries which will probably mean they will have to leave the Army. Mental health cases are on the increase but the acknowledged experts in this field, Combat Stress, tell us that the majority of their patients are referred to them 14 years after the event so we must be prepared. Not only do we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude but we have an enduring responsibility for their continued welfare. In January 2010 the Regiment appointed a Casualty Officer, Lt Col (Retd) Mike Smith, who is responsible for ensuring that all our severely injured are progressing as best they can on their path to better health. Mike joins together the Army Recovery Capability and other Military charities with our Regimental charitable funds. He is responsible for ensuring that our wounded soldiers get the best and these are some of the stories he has to tell: Rifleman X was shot in the back and had three cardiac arrests before his condition was brought under control. This amazingly positive and courageous young man now has significant nerve damage to his legs and can only walk short distances with the aid of crutches. His injuries resulted in bleeding to the brain which means that he suffers from epileptic fits and is not allowed to drive. The Regiment has purchased him a lightweight wheelchair, paid for driving lessons for his fiancĂŠe and is funding him on a sailing trip with the Jubilee Sailing Trust. LCpl Y is a South African who had set his heart on joining Special Forces before losing two legs in an explosion in Afghanistan. He is married and his wife who is a nurse in a local hospital is expecting a baby next month. LCpl Y enjoys working with animals and we have been able to give him a quad bike to assist him in this. This vehicle has been essential in helping him regain his confidence and self esteem. In addition to these examples, the Regiment has funded the adaptation of a car for a triple amputee, fitted a stair lift for another of our Riflemen and paid for a number of our wounded to retrain in preparation for life outside the Army. We have also helped a number to continue their education either at University or at Agricultural College. Not a day goes past without the regiment being asked to help one of its casualties. What is clear is that our injured young men, their families and the families of our fallen will need our support and benevolence for many years o come and this is why The Rifles have launched the Care for Casualties Appeal. We must have funds at our disposal to react quickly and effectively whenever it is needed, so please help us to support those whose courage and sacrifice have left them vulnerable
www.careforcasualties.org.uk Email: c4c@the-rifles.co.uk
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