A U.S. Navy Commander visited the north-east yesterday to highlight and celebrate the role of women on the frontline.
Cdr Brenda MacCrimmon addressed service personnel from every military base in Scotland and members of the public, at a charity lunch held at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.
She underlined the role that women play in some of the most dangerous parts of the world – and looked back to inspirational historical heroines such as Joan of Arc and Boadicea.
Cdr MacCrimmon has supported a wide range of services and veterans charities, and was invited to the north-east to help raise money for the Soldiers Charity, which offers lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families.
The 50-year-old, who lives in North Carolina and serves as public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy’s third fleet in San Diego, California, said she was delighted to attend and highlight the role of women in the military. She added: “In 2010 the deputy of defence in the U.S. opened up more positions for women that had been closed and by 2016 it is hoped 7,000 jobs will be open.
“The only thing that we still can’t do is BUDS training, which is Basic Underwater Demolition Seal training.”
The lunch was organised by Aboyne woman Catherine Ross, who was awarded an MBE for her welfare work with veterans and serving members of the armed forces in the New Year honours list.
Brigadier Robin Bacon, chief of staff of the Soldiers Charity, said: “We have traditionally not done a lot of fundraising in Aberdeen and we would like to do a lot more. We want to carry on supporting Scottish veterans and their dependents for many years to come.
“For 70 years now we have supported the veterans of WWII into their dotage and we are looking after Normandy veterans so we expect to be looking after veterans of current conflicts in 70 years’ time.”
Sharon Young, warrant officer second class, of Black Watch, 3 Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Fort George, Inverness, who attended the lunch, added: “It is great to see there is this much support for the charity. The turnout has just been amazing, especially from all the military personnel.”