A VOLUNTEER has been awarded an MBE for his voluntary services to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), the Armed Forces charity.
Donald McPhie, from Solihull, has been bestowed the award for all the work and support he offers serving and ex-members of the armed forces at the charity.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, and their families.
Donald has volunteered for SSAFA since 2004, filling many appointments at the Solihull branch, including branch chairman.
However, the 90-year-old has gone over and above simply giving his time to through his local branch, taking on further roles.
In 2010, he took on the role as region representative of the West Midlands and in 2012 was selected to become a SSAFA trustee.
In addition to these roles, he is a member of the SSAFA public awareness advisory committee, the strategic working group and board member of the health and social care companies.
His wide and varied experience in senior positions at companies including Cadbury Schweppes, the department of trade and the Warwick Business School has been crucial to the successful operation and strategic planning for the charity.
The SSAFA chief executive, Sir Andrew Gregory, said: “I would like to congratulate Donald on being awarded an MBE.
“His tireless work and contribution to SSAFA over the past 13 years is greatly appreciated and we are grateful for his continued service.
“We are absolutely delighted that Donald’s hard work has been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen, who we are extremely proud to have as the Patron of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, on Her New Year Honours list.”
