Hero's return as TAs celebrate centenary (From Wiltshire Times)

Hero's return as TAs celebrate centenary

12:22pm Tuesday 6th May 2008 in News By Benjamin Parkes and Craig Evry

A TERRITORIAL Army rifleman from west Wiltshire came home to a hero's welcome after a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Former Warminster School student Tom Stevenson, 26, from Dilton Marsh, undertook foot patrols in Musa Qualeh in the troubled northern Helmand province, but was fortunate not to encounter the Taliban.

The information technology manager at Blackmore Computers serves with the 6th Battalion The Rifles, the TA infantry unit for the south west.

He received an Afghan Campaign medal from the Duchess of Gloucester to mark the tour.

His service comes as Wiltshire celebrates 100 years of the Territorial Army and support groups are urging employers to support reservists.

Reservists and cadets have long supported the Army in the county and have been called into action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the TA and local dignitaries; some with first hand experience of conflict are using the occasion to draw attention to the important work that is done.

Jennifer Polledri, chair of the Wiltshire Employer Support Group for Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: "The tradition of voluntary military service is an important thread in our national fabric.

"These dedicated men and women are able to respond to difficult challenges required of them but could not do so without the support of their employers.

"Unlike the regular forces, reservists are based in the community, so it is crucial they receive support from their employers."

Westbury MP Dr Andrew Murrison is a reservist and was called up in 2003.

He said: "I went to Iraq for two months to offer support as a medical officer with the Army stationed near Basra.

"I was in the regulars for 18 years. I left the Navy in 2000. For the regulars you need two weeks of training each year.

"There are definite benefits to employers at having reservists on their payroll. They display good leadership and general competence.

"It is difficult for some businesses to accommodate reservists but they play such a critical role in the defence of the nation.

"Employers who are positive and support reservists deserve admiration."