Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.

Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform is a government podcast hosted by NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office hosts Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, a government show with 27 episodes published.

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  Episode #27

  Service, Leadership and Life Beyond the Reserves: Valerie Wilson’s Story

  Sep 15, 202651 min

  Former reservist Valerie Wilson reflects on her remarkable journey from cadet to military service, including her mobilisation and deployment to Iraq. She shares the challenges she faced, the leadership skills and confidence she developed, and the lasting value of her experience in the Reserves. Valerie also explores how her military background helped shape a highly successful civilian career at BT, from making difficult decisions and earning promotion to balancing reserve service with life in the corporate world. Her story demonstrates how the skills gained through military service can transform a career, strengthen personal resilience and create opportunities to lead, volunteer and give back.

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  Episode #26

  Service to Survival: Anto Wickham’s Journey of Brotherhood, Battle & Bikes

  Sep 1, 202658 min

  In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Anto Wickham, who served for 22 years with the Royal Irish Rangers and later the Royal Irish Regiment. Anto’s journey didn’t end when he left the Army. Like many veterans, he faced the difficult transition to civilian life, spending 16 years working in security overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Along the way, he battled PTSD, first diagnosed during his service in Bosnia, and experienced some of his darkest moments while missing the camaraderie that military life once gave him. But out of those struggles came something meaningful. Driven by a lifelong passion for motorbikes, Anto founded the Ranger Motorcycle Club in Northern Ireland, a space built on remembrance, connection, and support. It’s more than just riding; it’s about rebuilding that sense of brotherhood and helping others who’ve walked a similar path. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and finding your tribe again.

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  Episode #25

  From Service to Civvy Street: Gillian Lyall’s Journey of Care, Courage and Recovery

  Jun 24, 202645 min

  In this episode, we are joined by Gillian Lyall, a former British Army nurse who served for 16 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, reaching the rank of Major. Raised in Northern Ireland and a member of the Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps while studying at Queen’s University Belfast, Gillian went on to deploy on operations across several theatres, providing vital medical care in demanding operational environments. Her military career was ultimately cut short following a diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and the transition into civilian life brought its own challenges as she navigated life beyond the Armed Forces. Today, Gillian works as a registered nurse with Help for Heroes, supporting veterans and their families while drawing on both her professional expertise and her personal experience of service and recovery. In this conversation, Gillian shares her story of military service, transition, resilience and her continued commitment to supporting the veterans’ community.

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  Episode #24

  From TELIC to Today: Rab Hunter’s Journey Through Survival and Service

  May 26, 202648 minS0

  <p>In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Irish Guards veteran Robert “Rab” Hunter, who served for 10 years, including two tours of Iraq.</p> <p>Rab was deployed during the initial invasion in 2003 and later returned on Operation TELIC 10, where his vehicle was struck by a devastating roadside bomb, one of the most dangerous threats faced by troops at the time. Surviving that moment marked the beginning of a lifelong emotional journey, as Rab has had to navigate survivor’s guilt and the lasting impact of that experience.</p> <p>Today, Rab shares his story with honesty and courag...

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  Episode #23

  Shamrocks Among the Poppies: The Story Behind the Siege

  Apr 29, 20261h 1mS0

  <p>Welcome to the NI Veteran’s Commissioner Podcast, Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.<br> <br> 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.<br> <br> 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.<br> <br> Since retiring in 2...

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