FOR many Forces families, this Christmas will be extra special.

Last month saw the end of British combat operations in Afghanistan.

140,000 UK troops have served there, and the final few are currently on their way home to be reunited with friends and family for the festive season.

It’s a time for celebration, but also a time to remember those who lost their lives, and those who will continue to need support as a result of their service in that conflict.

At SSAFA we’re already responding to those needs, through a vast range of services designed to support the injured and their families, those who are suffering with loneliness or isolation, and those who have been bereaved. But we know from past experience that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Issues relating to active service can lie dormant for many years, sometimes because of people’s resilience, pride, or simply not knowing where to turn for help.

Over 7,000 of those we are helping today last saw active service during conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia and Iraq.

So while we welcome home the final few troops, I would urge everyone to remember the work that still remains to be done supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families here in the UK.

You can show your support this Christmas by posting a personal salute to them at www.ssafa.

org.uk/mysalute, or text ‘HERO29 £3’ to 70070 to help continue SSAFA’s vital work.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE, Chief Executive of SSAFA (formerly The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)