Bill Gillet, Netra Rana and Andy Reid join list of Blesma MBE's

November 2019 has been an impressive month for MBE's, as the prestigious honour has been conferred on two Members and a former Blesma Support Officer. 

Bill Gillet 

Former Blesma Support Officer Major (Retd) Bill Gillet has been awarded an MBE for his service to Veterans. Having served in 3 Commando Brigade, 5 Airborne Brigade, and 16 Air Assault Brigade, Bill then worked as a BSO for 16 years, helping to provide vital support and advice to limbless and injured veterans, as well as their families.

I'm very proud. I still feel a bit overwhelmed!

Bill Gillet MBE

Andy Reid

Andy Reid, from Rainford, was serving in the army in Afghanistan in 2009, when he stood on an improvised explosive device, losing both his legs and his right arm.

Andy was a corporal in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, where he served 13 years before his injury and has won several awards such as the Overcoming Adversity Award in 2010 in the Millies. He was also the first-ever winner of the Pride of St Helens Award. He has committed his life to raising awareness and fundraising for amputees, both civilian and military. 

It will be a fantastic honour to receive this award for my service to Armed Forces Charities and for helping disabled people in my home town of St Helens.

Andy Reid MBE

Netra Rana 

Corporal Netra Rana was seriously injured when his vehicle hit an IED south of Kandahar in January 2008. Since recovering he has competed in sitting volleyball, become a Paralympian, and is an Invictus games medal winner He continues as an active Member of the Battalion and supports others in sporting activities, for example, he recently trained the 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles Ladies volleyball team.