Last night, 17 September 2026, the nation’s most inspiring members of the Armed Forces community were recognised at The Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On 2026, held in the heart of Westminster.
Community Impact Award In partnership with BAE Systems, winner Hull 4 Heroes presented by Rebecca Foran-Coutts, BAE Systems plc, Inclusion Manager Practices & Partnerships and Terry Butcher, Former England International Footballer, Patron Combat to Coffee.
2026 The Soldiering On Awards (SOA) at The Park Plaza Hotel, Westminister Bridge, London. The Armed Forces Community Awards honours individuals, veterans, service families, and allies through year-round recognition of resilience, innovation, and support.
The Soldiering On Awards (SOA) recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served our country, the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces Community. We aim to encourage support for this remarkable community by celebrating the achievements of the people, teams, and businesses within it.
The Armed Forces Community Awards, a nationally recognised platform celebrating extraordinary contributions across the military sector, continues its expanded year-round mission to honour the individuals, veterans, service families, and allies shaping the future of the Armed Forces community.
Originally founded in 2011 as a tribute to military service, the Awards entered a transformative era in 2018 to better reflect the modern defence landscape. While proudly building on more than a decade of legacy and past recipients, the organisation has deepened its focus on today’s evolving stories of resilience, innovation, and community support.
Hosted by broadcasting legend Jeremy Vine at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, the glittering ceremony brought together senior officials from Defence and across government, hundreds of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, military families, charities, businesses and supporters to celebrate winners from across the UK.
United by this year’s theme, Connecting Society, the Awards recognised extraordinary achievement, resilience, leadership and service, while celebrating those building stronger connections between the Armed Forces community and wider society.
Celebrating the Best of the Armed Forces Community
Twelve remarkable winners were announced across a range of categories, from business and community impact to healthcare, education, and inspiration, with the public having been invited to vote on the Inspiration and Animal Partnership Awards.
Among the worthy winners were:
- Rick Clement, recipient of the Inspiration Award, whose extraordinary resilience following the loss of both legs in Afghanistan has inspired countless others. Through fundraising, community engagement and advocacy, Rick has demonstrated that determination, purpose and service can overcome even the most significant challenges. (Lancashire)
- David Dent MBE, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, whose decades of service to veterans and people with disabilities have transformed lives across the Armed Forces community. From frontline military service to senior leadership roles, trustee positions and advocacy work, David’s contribution has left a lasting legacy of opportunity, inclusion and support for others. (London)
- The Open University: The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, winner of the Education, Training & Development Award, was recognised for removing barriers to higher education and creating new opportunities for disabled veterans. Since its launch, the programme has helped hundreds of veterans gain qualifications, rebuild confidence and establish fulfilling futures beyond military service (UK Wide)
- Veteran Friendly Framework, winner of the Connecting Society Award, was recognised for its pioneering work helping care homes better understand and support veterans and their families. Developed through a partnership between The Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, the initiative is improving quality of life while ensuring veterans remain recognised, connected and supported in later life. (UK Wide)
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust Armed Forces Team, winner of the Working Together Award, was recognised for creating a nationally recognised model of veteran-centred healthcare. Through innovative collaboration with charities, community organisations and public services, the team has transformed the support available to thousands of veterans and their families. (East Lancashire)
Each winner’s story reflects remarkable determination and commitment to serving others whether developing life-changing health solutions, creating new opportunities, strengthening communities, or inspiring those around them. Together, their endeavours demonstrate the extraordinary scale and breadth of the Armed Forces community’s contribution across the UK.
The 2026 ceremony marked the first attendance of Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, since taking office earlier this year. He said:
“Tonight is not only about recognising extraordinary achievement, but about taking inspiration from it. The values embodied by this community, service, purpose and commitment to others, can reach far beyond Defence and help us build a stronger, more connected society. This government is committed to ensuring those who serve, and their families, receive the recognition, opportunities and support they deserve.”
Connecting Society
The evening also introduced the new Connecting Society Award, specially created to support the Veterans’ Strategy and its three central themes: Celebrate, Contribute and Support. Partnered by global technology leader DXC Technology. Derek Allison, General Manager at DXC Technology, said:
“The strongest outcomes happen when we bring people, experiences, and perspectives together around a shared purpose. The Connecting Society Award celebrates exactly that: organisations and communities working together to strengthen connections, create opportunities and make a lasting difference for the Armed Forces community and their families. We are incredibly proud to support it.
Service and Commitment, Now and in the Future
Awards Patron, Major General The Rt. Hon the Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton TD VR PC:
“I am deeply proud to support these Awards. They are far more than a celebration of achievement; they are a testament to the enduring spirit of our Armed Forces family and a powerful reminder of the positive difference it makes every day, both within Defence and across wider society.”
Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of The Armed Forces Community Awards, reflected on the night:
“Every year, this evening gives us the opportunity to pause and celebrate something truly special: people. People who step forward when others need support. People who turn experience into opportunity. People who continue to serve their communities long after their uniform has been hung up. And people who believe that by working together, we can create something far greater than any of us could achieve alone.”
UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham:
“This year’s theme, Connecting Society, is a reminder that our Armed Forces are not set apart from us. We rely on the courage of men and women from every community to step forward to serve and keep the country safe. The bond between our nation and those who wear its uniform is a fundamental pillar of our national security. I thank the many businesses, charities and organisations who through their endeavours, strengthen that bond.”
Further details, including the full list of winners and finalists, along with their moving backstories, can be found online at www.soldieringon.org
