Kevin Morgan

Royal Air Force

Kevin Morgan served in the Royal Air Force as an RAF Regiment Gunner, completing operational tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan during a military career that took him across the world and gave him experiences that would stay with him long after leaving the Armed Forces.

Kevin's route into the military came after years of working predominantly within construction. During a cold December in Glasgow, he passed an Armed Forces Careers Office and decided to go inside to explore his options. After considering a number of roles, he was drawn to becoming an RAF Regiment Gunner.

Within just a few weeks, Kevin had begun the recruitment process and was soon on his way to RAF Barnham for training. He later completed his basic training at RAF Honington before receiving his first posting to RAF Lossiemouth.

In August 2007, Kevin completed his pre deployment training and deployed to Iraq for a six month operational tour. He later deployed to Afghanistan at Kandahar, where he gained his Class 2 licence and became the lead driver of a Coyote vehicle. During this period, Kevin was also promoted to Lance Corporal.

Following Afghanistan, Kevin was posted to Cyprus for three years, carrying out security duties at Ayios Nikolaos. It was during this posting that his military career took an unexpected turn.

Kevin required major back surgery following a compression injury and was subsequently told that he would no longer be able to undertake further operational tours. Faced with this reality, he made the difficult decision to leave the military.

Adjusting to civilian life was challenging. After the structure, routine and camaraderie of the RAF Regiment, Kevin found it difficult to adapt and it took several months before he was able to secure employment.

Although Kevin went on to work after leaving the Armed Forces, his circumstances later changed and he found himself unemployed and claiming Universal Credit. With a family to support and uncertainty surrounding what he would do next, Kevin needed a new direction.

That direction began with a conversation at his local Jobcentre.

Kevin's work coach introduced him to Veterans into Logistics and encouraged him to explore the opportunities available through the charity. Kevin decided to make contact and find out whether his previous driving experience could provide a route back into sustainable employment.

From that first conversation, things began moving quickly.

With support from Veterans into Logistics and the Department for Work and Pensions, Kevin began his journey towards becoming a professional HGV driver.

Veterans into Logistics supported him throughout the process, helping arrange his medical, training and tests while remaining available whenever Kevin needed guidance. He successfully gained his HGV Class 2 licence, Driver CPC and Digital Tachograph Card.

Kevin said, “They seemed to make everything simple to do to gain my licence. They were always available to speak to and they always followed up with everything I was doing.”

The support gave Kevin more than a new qualification. It restored his belief that there were still opportunities available to him and showed what could happen when someone was willing to ask for help.

Reflecting on the experience, Kevin said, “There is a chance to do anything you want if you just ask for that bit of help, and that's what Veterans into Logistics did for me.”

The next step was turning his new qualification into employment.

Veterans into Logistics helped connect Kevin with Hovis Bakeries, where he successfully secured a position as an HGV driver.

Within just four months of his first conversation with the charity, Kevin had progressed from unemployment and claiming Universal Credit to holding his HGV qualifications and beginning a new career with one of the country's most recognisable bakery brands.

For Kevin, the impact has been significant.

He said, “The job at Hovis has given me a sense of security for my family and the feeling of being back in work is amazing.”

The stability of employment has given Kevin renewed confidence and security, while allowing him to provide for his family and move forward with a clear sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the entire journey, Kevin said, “In the space of four months, from the first phone call giving all my details and what I was looking for, to arranging my medical, my tests and even putting me in contact with Hovis, Veterans into Logistics changed my life for the better.”

Kevin now plans to remain in full time employment and continue building his experience within the logistics industry. Looking further ahead, he hopes to progress again and potentially gain his Class 1 HGV licence.

His message to other veterans who may be struggling after leaving the Armed Forces is to seek out the support that is available and be willing to take the first step.

Kevin believes organisations such as Veterans into Logistics can play an important role in helping former service personnel return to employment and adjust to civilian life, but that the journey begins with the individual being willing to ask for help and embrace the opportunity.

Kevin summed up his experience with the RAF motto, “Per Ardua Ad Astra”, meaning “Through adversity to the stars.”

For him, those words represent the journey from a difficult period in his life to gaining his qualifications, returning to employment and finding security for his family.

Kevin's journey was made possible through collaboration between organisations and individuals who recognised his potential.

We would like to thank the Department for Work and Pensions and in particular Gary Forsyth for helping Kevin access the support that ultimately led to his new career.

We would also like to thank Hovis Bakeries and in particular Tom Hill for providing Kevin with the opportunity to put his new qualifications into practice and begin his career as an HGV driver.

Kevin's story demonstrates the difference that targeted support, training and employment opportunities can make. What began with an unemployed veteran claiming Universal Credit became a journey back into meaningful work, greater financial security and renewed confidence.

Stories like Kevin's are why Veterans into Logistics exists. Supporting a veteran into sustainable employment can have an impact far beyond gaining a licence or finding a job. It can restore purpose, provide stability and create a brighter future for the veteran and their family.