The reception at the magnificent Palace of Westminster was attended by the 36 finalists, their nominators, defence and government leaders and partners from military charities and big business; all present to pay tribute to the inspiring stories of courage, endeavour and progress in the Armed Forces community.

The new Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns OBE MC MP, and the Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, addressed the distinguished audience with commendation for the achievements of the shortlisted individuals and organisations, and highlighted the important role of the Soldiering On Awards in sharing the positive stories from the Armed Forces community to inspire others.

The reception was supported by energy services company, Centrica, whose ex-forces pathway recruits ex-military talent to assist in the transition to Net Zero.

During the event, the online public vote that will determine the winners of two categories; the Animal Partnership Award and the Inspiration Award was officially opened by broadcaster and long-term host of Soldiering On Awards Jeremy Vine. Votes can be placed at www.soldieringon.org until the online voting portal closes at 23:59 on Monday 26 August.

The awards, now in their 14th year, celebrate the very best of the Armed Forces community, across twelve categories covering the diverse spectrum of achievement from Healthcare to Education and Business Start-Up to Animal Partnership.

Judging was carried out by a distinguished panel of independent judges, led by Co-Chairs Lt Gen (Ret’d) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE and Debra Allcock-Tyler, who chose from an outstanding field of hundreds of nominations to select a shortlist of 36 finalists: three per category.

The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie event at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on Wednesday 16th October 2024.

Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns OBE MC MP said:

“Our Armed Forces and veterans are at the heart of Defence, and it is only right that the exceptional contribution they make to national security is celebrated. This year’s Soldiering On Awards allows us to recognise the extraordinary people who make a real difference in society every day.

“I thank and commend the tireless dedication of the nominees and finalists.”

Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE said:

“As the overarching awards for our Armed Forces community, we look to the Soldiering On Awards to lift the lid on all the remarkable things our people achieve every day. The finalists’ inspirational stories reveal aspirations that are common to so many of us in Uniform; stories which describe the common bond of trust that we share; stories of camaraderie, and friendship; stories of sacrifice and challenge. These stories inspire others to have courage, to deal with personal challenges, to overcome adversity and to look to the future, and I thank them for all they have delivered for the Armed Forces and the nation.”

Patron of the Soldiering On Awards, Earl Howe GBE PC, said:

“In the 14th year of the Soldiering On Awards, we remain committed to the mission of shining a spotlight on remarkable individuals, projects, and organisations from across the Armed Forces community. The thirty six finalists shortlisted for 2024 exemplify passion and unwavering commitment to progress and excellence, in delivering benefits and outcomes for both individuals in the Armed Forces community and for society as a whole. It is an unparalleled programme that reaches all parts of our great nation.”

Laura Blair, Head of Centrica’s Ex-Forces Pathway, said:

“Centrica is delighted to be the key partner of the Soldiering On Awards Finalists’ Reception at the House of Lords for the second year running and be involved in the common purpose, celebrating achievement in the Armed Forces community. The 36 outstanding finalists have shown determination, entrepreneurship, resolve, and selfless commitment and we applaud their contribution to society and the nation.”

The full list of finalists is published at soldieringon.org/announcing-our-2024-finalists.