Armed Forces Day

Armed forces day is coming up at Ibrox and as a serving member of the Royal Air Force its a day to truly enjoy, a packed stadium with thousands of supporters or your club and supporters to celebrate the work carried out by the military. having attended both as a fan and a serving member I can honestly say its the most humbling and noteworthy achievement I have certainly had the pleasure to take part in. I have had the honour of being on the pitch at half time with a few hundred fellow military employees enjoying a rapturous reception from the Ibrox faithful, I don't think I've had a better moment in my career spanning 17 years now and I don't say that lightly. I've achieved some amazing things and been to some unreal places, but will happily trade everyone of them to be stood in the semi-circle at half time. I cant even describe what's its like, seriously. As a fan its probably as close as I will get as feeling like what a player feels when he walks out of the tunnel, prior to kick-off.

Rangers have always been a staunch supporter of the armed forces and for me I will always be grateful for the support the club and fans give each year, not just on the match day but throughout the year with the charity money and veteran support. Unfortunately I cant attend this year as I'm down south with work and I'm absolutely gutted. I volunteer for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund in Lossiemouth (RAFBF) and they asked if i can go again this year and help with the collections before the match, but work being as unpredictable as usual I can't make it. I have also seen RangersFirst are looking for help and I would encourage anyone who can help please go along and offer your services.

The Rangers Charity Foundation has announced a new Armed Forces Partnership with Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, ABF the Soldiers Charity, RAFBF and Erskine. The club are hoping to raise £25,000 to split between the charities which I think is a tremendous effort and only helps cement the bond between the armed forces and Rangers. With Erskine celebrating its 100th anniversary this years its hoping to give £10,000 to a special memorial garden in Bishopton. It's hoping to link The Regimental Walls of Scotland, Japanese Prisoners of War Memorial and The Lost Gardeners of The Great War with a paved walkway between the three sites.

I got to meet Ally last year and despite what has happened previously I cant praise him enough for his time that day, what a gent with great personal pride in the clubs support, prior to the match he came to speak to us and answer any questions we had. Every single one of us queued up for a picture and with one of the Rangers PR men telling him he didn't have time to accommodate us all, Ally wouldn't leave until everyone had the picture they wanted. That for me spoke volumes for his character, shame it worked out the way it did. As I said before I'm working down south for three weeks and I'm also going to miss the Fernando Match at Borough Briggs in Elgin on the 20th of September, just my luck!

I hope everyone who attends the Armed forces day against Livingston has a great day coupled with another fantastic performace from the fans and the team. I know I dont have to ask but please show your support at half time, it means the world to us.