THE adage that old soldiers never die couldn't be truer for Warrant Officer Brain Stoddart, who, after leaving the regular army, found that the Territorial Army could offer plenty of opportunities to continue in uniform.
WO1 Stoddart, of Amesbury, first began his regular army career as a 15-year-old Junior Leader in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in 1969.
He went on to see service in such far-flung places as Belize, Oman and Zimbabwe.
After retiring in 1994, he joined the 1st Battalion Wessex Territorial Army regiment. Apart from a five-year break as a civilian, he has spent nearly 30 years in uniform and his dedication has been rewarded with the presentation of the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal - the TA's equivalent of the long-service and good conduct medal.
WO1 Stoddart, who is married with two children, said: "Despite a number of civilian jobs, I find military service still offers more satisfaction, challenges and opportunities.
"I hope to continue to serve and contribute my skills to the army for as long as I can."
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