Ex-serviceman Dedicated to Helping Fellow Veterans Falling on Hard Times

MONTEGO BAY, Nov. 12 (JIS):

Fundraising Coordinator for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) ex-Soldiers Association Western Chapter and ex-serviceman, Sylvester Needham, is thankful for the organisation.

Not only has he benefitted from it as a veteran. The organisation has also afforded him the opportunity to give back to his colleagues who have fallen on hard times through the annual National Poppy Appeal Drive, which is organised by the Jamaica Legion.

The drive commences in October and culminates on Remembrance Day, which was observed on November 11. It involves the distribution of poppy pins throughout Jamaica in exchange for voluntary donations.

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, marked the end of World War I, which spanned four years, in 1918.

All proceeds from the drive go towards supporting Jamaican ex-servicemen who fought in World Wars I and II, and those who have since served in the local military.

The Jamaica Legion is primarily responsible for providing the basic needs of ex-servicemen who are now unable to support themselves physically and financially.

A portion of the financial contributions from the poppy appeal goes to Curphey Home in South Manchester, the retirement facility for ex-military personnel.

Though an integral part of the organisation’s western arm and an organiser for the region’s annual poppy appeal, Mr. Needham has an appreciation for the Jamaica Legion’s work nationally as he has been able to play an overall part in assisting his fellow ex-servicemen and women.

“I served for six years… I am a veteran; I know what it is. Unfortunately there are some of our brothers and sisters who hit hard times, and unfortunately because they are so proud, they are not coming forward to say it,” he tells JIS News.

“With this organisation, we try to reach out as far as possible to get to them to find out if they are alright… see who needs help and help as much people as we can. So this is [my way] of giving back, because I did get something, so I am giving back,” he adds.

Mr. Needham, who has been part of the organisation since his retirement in 2009, tells JIS News that he finds his work “satisfying”.

“Because at the end of the day, you know you have accomplished something and you did something worthwhile for someone, and that’s what it is all about,” he states.

“It’s voluntary… I don’t get paid. But I must do something. I can’t sit at home knowing that we have brothers and sisters out there who need assistance, and nothing is being done about it,” Mr. Needham maintains.

Custos Rotulorum for St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, describes Mr. Needham as the “engine” of the poppy appeal drive activities in western Jamaica, and commends the ex-serviceman for his commitment and dedication to the cause.

The Custos encourages citizens to give what they can to support the annual poppy appeal drive, as this goes towards aiding persons who have given of themselves to their country and the world.

“When you wear the poppy, you are making a statement that you appreciate what the men and women have done, not just for Jamaica, but for the world. Right now, we have several veterans from World War II still alive. There’s a lady who is 106 years old, there are also two men who are 102. We have others who are in their 90s [and] some who are 100, who are still alive,” he says.

“They gave of themselves to free the world of what could’ve been a devastating period. So when you give, when you make that contribution, you are extending your appreciation for what they have done for us and you are assisting us in making sure that they are taken care of,” Bishop Pitkin adds.

The emblematic red poppy, which holds deep symbolism of remembrance, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women to protect their countries’ freedoms and values.