Armistice Day: James Evans II on his years of service
Each year on Armistice Day, the country pauses for two minutes to remember those who served and those who did not come home. This year, we asked one of our own to share his story.
James Evans II, our Group Housing Director (Regional), served ten years in the US Air Force, including a posting here in the UK, before building a career in housing that, in his words, began "completely by accident".
Where did you serve, for how long, and what was your role?
I served in the US Air Force for ten years. For seven of those I worked in the dental clinic as a dental hygienist, rotating through the dental specialties, including endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental radiography. I also did a special three-year tour as a Drill Sergeant. I was based in Nebraska, Texas, Wyoming and the UK.
What did your time in the Air Force teach you that you still use at Caridon?
Three things, and I learned them at home first, because my father was a military veteran who retired after 25 years. The Air Force built on them: leadership, integrity, and doing whatever is needed to complete the mission. In the military the mission always comes first, and I bring that same focus to my work here.
What brought you into housing, and to Caridon?
It was completely by accident. I didn't have a clue about housing in the UK when I started, but that turned out to be a positive, because I learned everything from the ground up.
Some of the people we house have served. What helps someone settle after leaving the forces?
Definitely having somewhere to call home. In the States, housing for veterans is put at the forefront.
Is there anyone you'd like to remember or thank this year?
Yes: Master Sergeant George Hickman, who showed me the ropes in my first year as a Drill Sergeant.
Why a home matters
James's point about having somewhere to call home is at the centre of national policy this year. Ahead of Armistice Day, the Prime Minister asked councils in England to work with charities and local organisations to offer accommodation to every homeless veteran before Christmas. The government says its Op FORTITUDE helpline has already helped more than 1,250 veterans into housing.
Some of the people we house have served in the armed forces. For them, as for everyone we house, a settled home is where a fresh start begins. Any veteran sleeping rough, or anyone supporting one, can call Op FORTITUDE free on 0800 952 0774.
To James, and to all who have served, thank you.
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Armistice Day: James Evans II on his years of service
Each year on Armistice Day, the country pauses for two minutes to remember those who served and those who did not come home. This year, we asked one of our own to share his story.
James Evans II, our Group Housing Director (Regional), served ten years in the US Air Force, including a posting here in the UK, before building a career in housing that, in his words, began "completely by accident".
Where did you serve, for how long, and what was your role?
I served in the US Air Force for ten years. For seven of those I worked in the dental clinic as a dental hygienist, rotating through the dental specialties, including endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental radiography. I also did a special three-year tour as a Drill Sergeant. I was based in Nebraska, Texas, Wyoming and the UK.
What did your time in the Air Force teach you that you still use at Caridon?
Three things, and I learned them at home first, because my father was a military veteran who retired after 25 years. The Air Force built on them: leadership, integrity, and doing whatever is needed to complete the mission. In the military the mission always comes first, and I bring that same focus to my work here.
What brought you into housing, and to Caridon?
It was completely by accident. I didn't have a clue about housing in the UK when I started, but that turned out to be a positive, because I learned everything from the ground up.
Some of the people we house have served. What helps someone settle after leaving the forces?
Definitely having somewhere to call home. In the States, housing for veterans is put at the forefront.
Is there anyone you'd like to remember or thank this year?
Yes: Master Sergeant George Hickman, who showed me the ropes in my first year as a Drill Sergeant.
Why a home matters
James's point about having somewhere to call home is at the centre of national policy this year. Ahead of Armistice Day, the Prime Minister asked councils in England to work with charities and local organisations to offer accommodation to every homeless veteran before Christmas. The government says its Op FORTITUDE helpline has already helped more than 1,250 veterans into housing.
Some of the people we house have served in the armed forces. For them, as for everyone we house, a settled home is where a fresh start begins. Any veteran sleeping rough, or anyone supporting one, can call Op FORTITUDE free on 0800 952 0774.
To James, and to all who have served, thank you.
