Meet Wayne Kenyon an ex Company Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) who is now working for Pickfords as a Driver/Porter in Catterick.
In this interview, Wayne recounts his most memorable experiences during his 23 years of service and reflects on the importance of Armed Forces Week. He also discusses his current role at Pickfords and how the company's commitment to supporting ex-military personnel has impacted his sense of value and belonging in the workplace.
Question 1: Can you tell us about your role in the Armed Forces and the duration of your service?
At 16, I joined the Infantry to serve in the First Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1RRF), an Armoured Infantry Battalion. I completed my training on August 19, 1991, and joined the Regiment in Warminster. I served for 23 years, leaving on December 11, 2014, at the rank of WO2.
Question 2: What motivated you to join the Armed Forces?
Coming from a military background, my father served in the Fusiliers for 23 years, and my older brother joined the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, serving for 24 years. During World War Two, my grandparents also served in the Army in Gibraltar. Therefore, joining the British Armed Forces was in my blood.
Question 3: What were some of the most memorable experiences during your military career? And what aspects did you enjoy the most?
There are countless memories from my 23 years of service, but a few stand out. During Operation Telic in 2003, the Iraq War, the Fusiliers were ordered to cross four heavily guarded bridges leading into Basra. The Iraqi army destroyed three of the four bridges, but we managed to cross the fourth and hold off defending forces under heavy fire, securing this key location. This mission's success was a vital part of the Iraq War, and I'm truly proud of my role in it.
Another memorable moment was being deployed to Bosnia in 1995 under UN and NATO, my very first operational tour at age 19. Over the years, I also served in Northern Ireland (Londonderry 1997), South Armagh 1999 and on multiple tours in Iraq (2003, 2006, 2009). Each tour was significant and memorable.
Being promoted to Company Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) was a dream come true. The friendships and bonds formed during these years were invaluable, often feeling like family. The camaraderie and shared experiences during both peace and operations are truly special and unique to Army life.
Question 4: What does Armed Forces Week mean to you personally?
As a veteran, Armed Forces Week is very meaningful. It allows me to support and remember times with fellow serving and ex-serving personnel, filling me with pride for my 23 years of service. It’s a time to honour the great memories and leave behind the challenging ones, fostering a deep sense of pride in having served our country.
Question 5: How does Pickfords’ commitment to ex-military career opportunities impact your sense of value and belonging within the company?
I currently work for Pickfords as a Driver/Porter in Catterick, where the military background of my colleagues makes me feel at home. Pickfords’ understanding of working with service personnel, past and present, contributes greatly to the supportive environment.
Question 6: How does being employed and working for a forces-friendly company make you feel?
As an ex-serviceman, I am treated with respect. Management is open to hearing any issues or suggestions I have to improve the work environment, and they actively work on resolving them. This respect and responsiveness makes me feel valued and appreciated in my role.
Find out more about Pickfords' commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.