Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office
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”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.

  1. 4h ago

    Davy Donnell: The Enniskillen Bombing, Cold War Soldiering & the Bonds of Brotherhood

    From Cold War training grounds to the devastating aftermath of the Enniskillen bombing, Davy Donnell shares an extraordinary account of military service, friendship, loss and resilience. In this episode, David sits down with his former Company Commander, Davy Donnell, to reflect on a military career shaped by camaraderie, leadership and the experiences that stay with a soldier for life. Davy recalls following in his grandfather's footsteps, joining the Territorial Army, progressing through the ranks and the realities of soldiering during the 1980s. From the challenges of Cambrian Patrol to bizarre and hilarious encounters with goat herders and fishing boats in Cyprus, the conversation captures both the humour and hardship of military life. But the discussion also takes a deeply moving turn as Davy recounts the Enniskillen bombing of 8 November 1987. He shares his memories of the immediate aftermath, searching through the rubble, helping identify victims and witnessing the devastating impact on families and a close-knit community. Nearly four decades later, the questions, memories and emotional consequences remain. Davy reflects on the importance of telling these stories, remembering those who lost their lives and the continuing debate surrounding legacy and justice. Ultimately, this is a conversation about far more than military service. It's about the people who stand beside you, the experiences that shape you and the bonds of friendship and teamwork that endure long after the uniform comes off.

  2. Nov 2

    From Combat Boots to Changing Lives | Connor Davies

    What does it take to walk away from a military career and build a new life doing something you love? In this episode, we sit down with former Royal Engineer Connor Davies to explore his journey from growing up in a military family and training with the Royal Marine Reserves to becoming a military diver and eventually pursuing his passion for physiotherapy. Connor opens up about the physical and mental challenges of military training, overcoming injuries, navigating COVID-19 while serving, and making the difficult decision to leave the Armed Forces behind. He shares how the skills, resilience and discipline developed during his military career helped him overcome academic barriers, return to education and build his own physiotherapy business. We also explore the realities of transitioning into civilian life, the social challenges of leaving the military, and why greater support for veterans interested in self-employment could make a real difference. From overcoming self-doubt to finding purpose beyond the uniform, Connor's story is a powerful reminder that military service doesn't have to define your future — but it can help shape it. His advice? Don't be afraid of failure. If something scares you, do it anyway. An inspiring conversation about resilience, career change, entrepreneurship and finding your own path after military service.

  3. Oct 13

    Jason Gillard – From Military Service to Championing the Veterans Community

    From serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a passionate advocate for the Armed Forces community, Jason Gillard’s journey is one of service, family, determination and giving back. After a successful military career, Jason made the decision to leave the Armed Forces to put his family first. But while his time in uniform had come to an end, his connection to the military community remained as strong as ever. Determined to make a difference, Jason has played a key role in championing veterans across Northern Ireland. Through his involvement in establishing the Veterans Awards in Northern Ireland, he has helped create a platform that continues to celebrate the achievements, contributions and inspiring stories of our local Armed Forces community. Now, alongside a fellow veteran, Jason has taken that passion into the business world with Connect Through Service, an organisation focused on helping employers recognise the incredible skills, values and experience that veterans and the wider uniformed services community bring to the workplace. In this episode, we chat with Jason about his military career, the importance of family, his passion for supporting veterans, and why recognising the strengths of those who have served is so important. A great conversation about life after service, creating opportunities and continuing to make a difference long after the uniform comes off. Tune in and hear Jason’s story!

  4. Sep 29

    Supporting Those Who Served: Minister Gordon Lyons on the Veterans Support Line

    Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA joins Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnson to discuss the Veterans Support Line and the importance of ensuring that support services are accessible, responsive and trusted by the veteran community. Their conversation explores the assistance available through the service, the Department for Communities’ commitment to supporting veterans, and the need to provide confidence and reassurance around privacy and security. This is particularly important in Northern Ireland, where the legacy of the past can make some veterans hesitant to come forward and ask for help. Veterans and their families seeking information, guidance or support can contact the Veterans Support Line on 0800 158 5556.

  5. Sep 15

    Service, Leadership and Life Beyond the Reserves: Valerie Wilson’s Story

    Former reservist Valerie Wilson reflects on her remarkable journey from cadet to military service, including her mobilisation and deployment to Iraq. She shares the challenges she faced, the leadership skills and confidence she developed, and the lasting value of her experience in the Reserves. Valerie also explores how her military background helped shape a highly successful civilian career at BT, from making difficult decisions and earning promotion to balancing reserve service with life in the corporate world. Her story demonstrates how the skills gained through military service can transform a career, strengthen personal resilience and create opportunities to lead, volunteer and give back.

  6. Sep 1

    Service to Survival: Anto Wickham’s Journey of Brotherhood, Battle & Bikes

    In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Anto Wickham, who served for 22 years with the Royal Irish Rangers and later the Royal Irish Regiment. Anto’s journey didn’t end when he left the Army. Like many veterans, he faced the difficult transition to civilian life, spending 16 years working in security overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Along the way, he battled PTSD, first diagnosed during his service in Bosnia, and experienced some of his darkest moments while missing the camaraderie that military life once gave him. But out of those struggles came something meaningful. Driven by a lifelong passion for motorbikes, Anto founded the Ranger Motorcycle Club in Northern Ireland, a space built on remembrance, connection, and support. It’s more than just riding; it’s about rebuilding that sense of brotherhood and helping others who’ve walked a similar path. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and finding your tribe again.

  7. Jun 24

    From Service to Civvy Street: Gillian Lyall’s Journey of Care, Courage and Recovery

    In this episode, we are joined by Gillian Lyall, a former British Army nurse who served for 16 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, reaching the rank of Major. Raised in Northern Ireland and a member of the Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps while studying at Queen’s University Belfast, Gillian went on to deploy on operations across several theatres, providing vital medical care in demanding operational environments. Her military career was ultimately cut short following a diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and the transition into civilian life brought its own challenges as she navigated life beyond the Armed Forces. Today, Gillian works as a registered nurse with Help for Heroes, supporting veterans and their families while drawing on both her professional expertise and her personal experience of service and recovery. In this conversation, Gillian shares her story of military service, transition, resilience and her continued commitment to supporting the veterans’ community.

  8. May 26

    From TELIC to Today: Rab Hunter’s Journey Through Survival and Service

    In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Irish Guards veteran Robert “Rab” Hunter, who served for 10 years, including two tours of Iraq. Rab was deployed during the initial invasion in 2003 and later returned on Operation TELIC 10, where his vehicle was struck by a devastating roadside bomb, one of the most dangerous threats faced by troops at the time. Surviving that moment marked the beginning of a lifelong emotional journey, as Rab has had to navigate survivor’s guilt and the lasting impact of that experience. Today, Rab shares his story with honesty and courage, reflecting not only on his service, but on what came after. Now driven by a new mission, he speaks about his ambition to establish a veterans hub in his hometown of Larne, a place of support, connection, and understanding for those who have served. This is a story of survival, struggle, and finding purpose beyond the battlefield.

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About

”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.

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