Stepping Into the Role of Armed Forces Champion – A Personal Message from Cllr Charles Gibson
I am truly honoured to have been appointed as Faversham Town Council’s Armed Forces Champion. This is a role that means a great deal to me personally, and professionally, and I wanted to share a few words about why I’m so proud to take it on.
For many years, my work with the Royal Engineers Central Charitable Trust has allowed me to support serving soldiers, veterans, and their families. Every day, I see the incredible resilience of the military community, but I also see the challenges many face—whether it’s accessing support, navigating life after service, or simply being recognised for their contribution.
Alongside this, I am a member of the Faversham branch of the Royal British Legion, an organisation that stands at the heart of remembrance, welfare, and community support. The Legion’s work keeps us connected to our past while ensuring that those who have served are never forgotten or left behind. Being part of that mission has been a privilege.
As Armed Forces Champion, my job is to make sure the voices of serving personnel, veterans, and their families are heard within the council. I will be working to:
– Ensure Faversham continues to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant
– Encourage local services and businesses to be welcoming and accessible to the Armed Forces community
– Strengthen connections between the council, charities, and community groups
– Promote awareness of the issues faced by veterans and serving personnel
But beyond the responsibilities, this appointment matters to me because I believe firmly in service—service to community, service to those who have served, and service to the town I am proud to represent.
Faversham has a long tradition of honouring the Armed Forces, and I’m committed to building on that foundation. I look forward to working with residents, local organisations, and fellow councillors to ensure that our town remains a place where every member of the Armed Forces family feels supported, valued, and understood.
If you are a veteran, a serving member of the Armed Forces, or part of a Forces family and feel there is more we can do to support you, please reach out. My door is always open.
Cllr Charles Gibson
Armed Forces Champion, Faversham Town Council
