A March for Vets

Raytheon UK employees from six sites walked, jogged and ran throughout the month of March.

Their motivation went beyond their own physical health, though.

Employees logged over 700 cumulative miles in support of Combat Stress, an organisation that helps former service members cope with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Many of our employees have served in the armed forces or have close relationships with those who do,” said Kevin Howard, chair of the Raytheon Reservists Employee Resource Group, or RaRe*. “Supporting them through charitable events like this is just one way we can pay our respect forward.”

The event, called March in March, raised funds for Combat Stress. Over 2,000 new veterans seek out services from the organisation every year.

“As a company, we strongly relate to this inspiring charity,” said Roland Howell, managing director of airborne ISR at Raytheon UK and RaRe’s executive sponsor. “The work they do is life-changing – and often life-saving.”

Some employees walked a few miles every lunch hour, while others participated in a company-sponsored walk in their local area.

And some took turns putting in the hard yards on the treadmill at the gym. 

“We are enormously grateful to the staff at our corporate partner Raytheon for taking part in March in March,” said Sue Freeth, chief executive officer at Combat Stress. “Every penny raised by staff at Raytheon will help ensure we can continue providing our unique mental health treatment to the veterans who need it.”

In addition to its partnership with Combat Stress, Raytheon also participates in Mental Health Awareness Week from May 13th to 19th. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the week raises awareness of mental health among individuals and organisations.

*RaRe provides support for reservists and veterans under the Armed Forces covenant which Raytheon UK signed in 2014. The group supports the Armed Forces community and members of the Armed Forces Reservists who work within Raytheon. In 2017 the UK Ministry of Defence recognised Raytheon UK for its outstanding support of the armed forces community, awarding the company Gold status as part of its Employer Recognition Scheme.