Norfolk Reservists Prepare For Uniform to Work Day

Two Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reservists based at RAF Marham, Corporal Brenden Plane and Sergeant Helen Thomas, will be swapping their civvies for uniform when they go to work on 22nd June. They will be supporting Uniform to Work Day, which highlights the important role that Reservists play in serving their country.

Helen (46) who is a team leader at King's Lynn County Court has been a member of RAF Marham's 2620 Squadron for 24 years. She was unable to go on operations to Basra with the Squadron in 2003 and 2005 because she was pregnant so did her bit at home by taking on the role of Family Liaison Office for the Squadron. Despite having a young family she still manages to take part in weekend exercises, competitions and annual camp.

Helen says "I was disappointed not be able to go on operations with the rest of the Squadron but I fulfilled an important job back here. My two daughters (aged 7 and 8) are really interested in what it is that I go off and do when in uniform. They have been over to RAF Marham several times which they find really interesting."

Brenden (29) who grew-up in Norwich is used to wearing uniform. Before joining the Reservists he was an Air Cadet with Norwich based 231 Squadron.

He had originally planned to join the Royal Air Force Regiment, the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force, but decided to put his BSc in Sports Science to good use and set-up his own business Anglia Fitness. As well as being a qualified Personal Trainer, Brenden is a Box-a-cise Instructor and Lifeguard.

Still hankering after a life in the Armed Forces, Brenden joined the RAF Reservists and has served with RAF Marham's 2620 Squadron for the last 12 years. The unit's role is to provide personnel to support regular RAF Regiment Gunners, in defending the RAF's assets on operations worldwide.

Brenden went on operation to Basra as part of Operation Telic in 2003 and 2005.

Brenden says "I relish the chances that being a member of 2620 Squadron given me and the opportunity to combine this with my day job. I have the best of both worlds really. I particularly enjoy the camaraderie and the social life that goes with being part of the Squadron."

Uniform to Work Day is part of the build-up to Armed Force Day, when the public are encouraged to show their support to serving personnel and their families, reservists and veterans.