Fighting With Pride. Ruth Birch on The WCCS.

Ruth joined the Army in February 1987 as an Analyst in the Intelligence Corps. She predominantly served in B.A.O.R. and Northern Ireland during ‘the troubles’ where she received a commendation from the Prime Minister of the time John Major. Ruth was investigated by the S.I.B. for being a Lesbian (having short hair and playing hockey seemed to be all the evidence needed) and although no evidence was found the whole horrific experience and humiliation forced her into leaving her chosen career after eight years due to the continued pressure she was experiencing.<br /><br />Ruth recently left HM Prison Service, after serving 25 years. During this time, she engaged with and supported veterans including staff and prisoners. She was also the prison lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity setting up focus groups, writing and delivering training programmes to staff and prisoners.<br /><br />Ruth is a member of her local RBL and has also been the branch Chairperson and was involved in the organisation of the annual Poppy Appeal. She is also a member of her local RAFA Association and Veterans Hub. Her motivation for working for ‘Fighting With Pride’ is because she feels that she has come full circle, finally coming ‘home’ back into the ‘military family’ and it is her aim to bring the LGBT+ Veterans back home where they rightly belong.<br /><br />Ruth lives with her wife and two mad spaniels in South Wales. She is a campanologist, surfer, kayaker and volunteers as a tractor driver for her local RNLI station.<br /><br />If you would like to know more about Fighting With Pride, see this link: <a href="https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/who-we-are/veteran-community-team/" rel="noopener">https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/who-we-are/veteran-community-team/</a><br /><br />If you would like to donate to Fighting With Pride, click here: <a href="https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/20501#!/DonationDetails" rel="noopener">https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/20501#!/DonationDetails</a><br /><br />Website: <a href="http://www.fightingw