June 22-28 is Armed Forces Week - a chance to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Flags will be flown at County Hall in Carmarthen [the home of CarmarthenshireCounty Council], along with Ammanford and Llanelli town halls during the week.

During this week also celebrated is Reserves Day (June 25) and Armed Forces Day on (Saturday, June 28).

This Reserves Day (June 25), Hayley Edwards, our dedicated Armed Forces Liaison Officer and a serving Army Reservist, shares her experiences of her roles in the Army Reserve and civilian career with the Council.

On Armed Forces Day (June 28) Cllr Philip Hughes will be accepting the Armed Forces Flag at a ceremony in Caldicot as the hosting of the event in 2026 comes to Carmarthenshire.

Hayley Edwards, our dedicated Armed Forces Liaison Officer and a serving Army Reservist, has been mobilised.

A Reservist with over 30 years of service, Hayley was commissioned into the Royal Logistic Corps in 1995 and has also served full-time for three years during her career. This is her second mobilisation from a civilian role, a testament to her adaptability and unwavering dedication to service.

Reflecting on her mobilisation, Hayley said: "While I initially felt some apprehension about being mobilised, I also looked forward to the challenge. This is an incredible opportunity to learn new skills and apply both my military and civilian experience in a meaningful way.”

Hayley’s role in the Council focuses on supporting the Armed Forces Community and includes much stakeholder management and working closely with the Armed Forces Community across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire - a commitment she mirrors in her military career.

Hayley added: “I am very grateful to work for an Armed Forces-friendly employer whose support has been invaluable during this transition."

As an Armed Forces-friendly employer, the Council is fully committed to supporting Reservists and the wider Armed Forces Community.

Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: "As an employer, we are very supportive of the Armed Forces community and all that they contribute to our communities. As an Armed Forces-friendly employer, we recognise the vital role our Reservists play in contributing to the defence of our nation. We are incredibly proud of Hayley, both as a valued member of the Carmarthenshire County Council team and as a dedicated Reservist."

Carmarthenshire County Council was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in September 2023 in recognition of their support for the Armed Forces Community through implementing armed forces friendly employment practices and policies.

Cllr Phillip added: "We fully support Hayley during her mobilisation and wish her every success in this important operation. We look forward to welcoming her back and hearing all about her experiences on her return.”