A former Royal Air Force chef who turned hand to poetry to help his mental health has written a special poem to mark Remembrance Day. 

Jason Wood, a veteran from Oakham, served 26 years as a chef in the Royal Air Force. He had an extremely varied career, which he very much enjoyed, working in practically every environment possible. 

He had the opportunity to organise and cook at many high-profile functions, including being sous chef for Michelin-starred Glynn Purnell at the final banquet for the BBC's Great British Menu at the RAF's historic Halton House in 2009. 

John Woods found it difficult to return to civilian life after serving in the RAF as a chef. (Photo: Op COURAGE NHS)

Upon leaving the Armed Force in 2012, Jason struggled to adjust to civilian life. He found it difficult to settle and kept moving from job to job, eventually reaching a crisis point with his mental health in 2018, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression and anxiety. 

In 2023, Jason got in touch with Op COURAGE. This is a valuable NHS service developed for people that have served in the armed forces and were experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Op COURAGE combines several NHS services and charities to give those who need it specialised care that reflects their needs. 

According to Jason: "My time under Op COURAGE has been invaluable. The support from people who are solely veteran focused makes so much difference, giving me great peace of mind. I count myself truly lucky and blessed that I was afforded the opportunity to work with Op COURAGE and would recommend the service to anyone who is having troubles." 

For Jason, an important part of his recovery that he still continues to do today is attending a local poetry group. He is keen to share is work with other veterans and has been invited to read his poem 'The Eternal Poppy' at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Service in Oakham. 

Operational Lead of the Midlands branch of OP Courage Doug Wing said: "Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for veterans, bringing back memories from their time in service and those they served alongside. We want to remind any veterans who might be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing that they're not alone. We're here to help and all it takes is one call." 

The Eternal Poppy by Jason Wood 

Emblazoned on our chest 

we wear a symbol of the lost 

but it's not one day each year 

we should recall their ultimate cost 

to be immortalised by Colonel McCrae 

staying indelible on our minds 

so we come together annually 

and see their sacrifices aren't denied  

Yet it's not our Tommies alone 

we'll remember at this time 

for many a brave patriot 

has signed that dotted line 

pledging allegiance to our Monarch, country and comrades 

a ceremony we all hold dear 

to pay a debt we can't evade 

From our brave noble flyers 

over Dover cliffs so white 

to our valiant troops at Normandy 

and sailors engaged in Baltic plight 

World War 1 - The Great War  

forever it will be penned 

still conflicts waged around the world 

seemingly never end 

Iraq - Belize - Afghanistan 

Northern Ireland and The Falklands 

Sierra Leone - Kenya 

and a reflection of The Balkans 

They return to Blighty heroes 

some with afflictions and disabilities 

but also some will bare the scars 

the ones you cannot see 

So with respect, poise and pride 

we congregate as a family 

to honour and remember 

those who came before 

with, The Eternal Poppy 

Please visit www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.