Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

Welcome to the NI Veteran’s Commissioner Podcast, Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. Today, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Derek Plews VR, a former Army officer whose career spans journalism in Northern Ireland, work within the UK Civil Service, and multiple operational deployments overseas. A reservist who left the civil service to deploy to Afghanistan in 2006, Derek served during a pivotal and violent period of the campaign. He later completed tours in Iraq before going on to hold a number of senior roles within the Ministry of Defence. Since retiring in 2020, he has devoted his time to historical research, writing, and supporting local museum trusts. Derek is the author of A Brilliant Little Victory, a respected history of the 48th Division in the First World War. He joins us today to raise awareness of his latest book, Shamrocks Among the Poppies, a powerful and thought-provoking account of the siege of Musa Qal’eh in 2006, examining not only the fighting on the ground, but also the wider failures and consequences surrounding it. This episode explores the realities of conflict, the burden carried by those who serve, and the importance of preserving honest military history long after the uniform is hung up.

In this episode, we are joined by General the Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff and one of the most recognisable military leaders of his generation. Commissioned into the Green Howards in 1971, Lord Dannatt served for nearly four decades in the British Army, with operational experience in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and overseeing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, he led the Army during some of the most demanding years of modern military operations. Since retiring from the Army, he has continued his service in public life as a crossbench member of the House of Lords and remains a prominent advocate for the welfare of service personnel, veterans and their families. In this conversation, Lord Dannatt known for his strong Christian faith, reflects on his military career, the leadership challenges of commanding the Army during wartime, and his ongoing work supporting the Armed Forces community.

This episode is one of resilience, recovery, and positivity. We’re joined by Andrew Steed, born and raised in East Belfast, and a former soldier with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Andrew served from 2009 until 2016, including a deployment on Operation HERRICK 13 in Afghanistan. In 2016, Andrew was medically discharged following two mild strokes, known as TIAs. During that process, he was told that activities he loved, such as hiking and swimming, would likely no longer be possible. Andrew refused to accept that as the final chapter. He went on to make a full recovery and, in August 2021, completed a remarkable physical and mental challenge, walking 600 miles in just 30 days. Today, Andrew works in a tailoring shop in Belfast, is preparing to launch his Project Positive campaign, and has a number of ambitious hiking events planned as he approaches 40. This episode is about mindset, adaptability, and proving that setbacks do not define the future. It’s also a reminder that life beyond the uniform can be purposeful, positive, and very well dressed.

Today, we’re joined by Tricia Robinson, a former Combat Medic who served in Afghanistan during Operation Herrick 10 in the summer of 2009, one of the most intense and deadly periods of the campaign, alongside 4 Rifles. In this episode, Tricia takes us behind the scenes of combat medicine, the realities of serving on the front line, and the profound challenges that follow when the battle ends and service life gives way to civilian life. This is an honest and deeply moving conversation about strength, survival, and what it really means to live beyond the uniform.

Today, we’re joined once again by UDR veteran Glen Espie. When Glen first appeared on the podcast, we only had time to explore the first IRA assassination attempt on his life. In this episode, he returns to tell the rest of the story - surviving a second attempt, and living with the consequences that followed. Glen also speaks openly about the courage it takes to share these experiences through his talks, The Terrorist Knocks Twice, and why telling the truth matters. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, memory, and life beyond the uniform.  

Today we feature Frank McCracken, Irish Guards and Royal Irish Regiment veteran, and currently serving on the committee of the Irish Guards Association in Northern Ireland. With decades of dedication to the veteran community, Frank is the quiet engine behind annual events, regimental support, and charity outreach. His work ensures that the brotherhood of service doesn’t end at discharge, but evolves into a lifelong network of care.

Today we meet Phillip 'Barney' Gillespie, a Royal Irish Veteran from Ballymena who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan - but gained a new purpose. Now a respected cadet instructor, Barney mentors young people with courage and conviction, helping shape the next generation of service minded youth. His story is one of resilience, humour and refusing to let injury define legacy.

This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, this episode is one you won’t forget. Jay Millar served in the Royal Irish, but his toughest battles came after the uniform came off. Addiction, pain, and hitting rock bottom, only to rise again through faith, purpose, and an unexpected calling: cutting hair. Founder of Jay’s Barber Academy and champion of dignity for the homeless, Jay’s story is about redemption, generosity, and what it really means to come home.

From the Tower of London to Castlerock, one veterans journey as a Yeoman Warder to settling in NI. Welcome to Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Huggins, a former British Army soldier whose second act saw him don the iconic red and gold of a Yeoman Warder or Beef-eater at the Tower of London. Known for his engaging presence with the public and steeped in centuries-old tradition, Shaun brings a rich ceremonial perspective to what it means to serve.  Shaun reflects on identity, heritage, and the quiet pride of life beyond the Tower.

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Rachael Harger, a former Royal Military Police officer who completed two tours in Afghanistan. Rachael shares her journey through military life, the challenges of being part of a service family, and the transition to civilian life. Now working with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office, she supports veterans with the same dedication she brought to her service. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.

In this episode, we meet Big Phil Campion, a man whose journey from the care system to the elite ranks of the 22 SAS is nothing short of remarkable. Given up for adoption and raised through hardship, Phil left school at 16 with no qualifications but a burning desire to serve. He joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment, conquered both the Royal Marines Commando Course and P Company, and went on to earn his place in the SAS, serving on operations worldwide, including the famous hostage rescue in Sierra Leone. After leaving the Army as a Staff Sergeant, Phil went on to lead private security teams in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Now a podcaster and speaker, with a motivation to promote the military, it’s a privilege to sit down with him to hear his story of resilience, fearlessness, and the drive to push beyond limits.

In this episode we sit down with Steven Clarke, a former Royal Navy officer with a career that took him across oceans - and ultimately to Northern Ireland. In this candid conversation, Steven shares what drew him to a life at sea, the places and people that left the biggest mark, and what transitioning into civilian life taught him about leadership, identity, and the enduring bond of service.

This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. In this episode, we meet Anthony McToal, known across Northern Ireland as the Cold Water Warrior. A Royal Irish veteran who faced debilitating PTSD after Afghanistan. Anthony found healing where many wouldn’t dare go - the freezing waters of Ballygally Beach. 300 days of sea swims. One mission: mental health awareness. Hear how discipline, discomfort, and cold water saved his life - and inspired a movement.  

This weekend marks the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Irish Guards, and to honour the occasion, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner had the privilege of sitting down with Captain John Gough of the Irish Guards. Captain Gough served during Operation Market Garden in World War II and is believed to be the last surviving Irish Guards officer from that time. His story provides a remarkable first-hand account of courage, sacrifice, and history in the making. This conversation is not only a record of one man’s service but also a vital reminder of the legacy carried forward by the Irish Guards and all who served during the war. It has been both a privilege and an honour to capture and share his extraordinary experiences. Join us as we reflect on this milestone anniversary and listen to the memories of a man who lived through history.

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Janet - a former Ulster Defence Regiment Greenfinch who served during some of the most turbulent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Janet reflects on her unique experience as a female soldier on the frontlines at home, balancing service and motherhood in a time of immense pressure and uncertainty. Today, she continues to serve through her work with the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, supporting veterans and their families - especially those involved in the Invictus Games. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about courage, compassion, and the vital role of women in both conflict and community.

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Graham Fergus, a former Irish Guardsman who shares an honest account of life after service - the struggle of losing structure, hitting rock bottom, and finding strength through his military roots. Graham recently completed Operation Home, spending 10 days in the Mourne Mountains to raise awareness of veteran homelessness, relying only on the kindness of strangers to get through.   He reflects on how his time in the Irish Guards helped carry him through his darkest moments, and the lasting bond within the regiment - highlighted the regiment's support to the recent centenary birthday of Captain John Gough, the oldest living Irish Guardsman.

In this episode of Once A Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we sit down with David Johnstone, Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner, to get straight to the point - why did he take on this role, what real change does he plan to deliver, and how will he fight to make life better for veterans in Northern Ireland? No fluff, no politics - just honest answers about the challenges, the battles ahead, and the future he's working to build. 

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with a female veteran, who served as an engineering officer in the RAF. Now deeply involved in the Women's Network in Northern Ireland working with Ashes to Gold, she continues to inspire and support others through her work. We explore her journey through military service, leadership, and her mission beyond the uniform.

Former paratrooper John Ross sits down with Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone in the latest episode of our podcast 'From Falklands to the Future' to talk about everything from his inspiration to join the parachute regiment to his time in the Falklands war.

In this episode 'Surviving the Shadows' we speak to Glen Espie, former UDR Soldier about his time in service. Hear Glen's first hand account from the front line's of Northern Ireland's past. His harrowing account of surviving multiple attempts on his life will captivate you from start to finish.

Join us in this special episode, where we speak to UK Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns MP, about his time serving in the Royal Marines to the transition to MP.      

In the second episode of our podcast, we talk to Rosie Rowbotham about her time in service in the Royal Army Medical Corps.  

Tune in for our very first podcast. We speak to Charlie Marno, as he reflects on his time in Service in Northern Ireland.