Portraits Of Iraq And Afghanistan War Veterans And Civilians

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Gulf War veteran and former RAF medic Ian Ewers-Larose at home on March 3, 2017 in Ipswich, England. Ian Ewers-Larose, 49, saw action in Operation Granby in the 1st Gulf War where he provided medical support he earlier served in the Falkands. While in the RAF Ian fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which was misdiagnosed for many years. Today, he suffers from a life limiting condition that affects his joints and muscles and will see his mobility deteriorate as he gets older. Ian uses sticks and other mobility aids when needed to get round the house and recently found that the carpets in his home were becoming worn and a trip hazard. Ian and his partner couldn't afford to replace the carpets on top of daily living costs, so the British Legion and the RAF Benevolent Fund stepped in to cover the cost. His condition is also made worse by the cold so the British Legion purchased extra logs to go on his wood burning stove to see him through the winter. In addition, Ian and his partner were treated to a week-long respite break so they could spend some quality time together. A memorial to men and women from the UK Armed Forces and civilians who served their country in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan from 1990 - 2015, is unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen at Victoria Embankment Gardens on March 9th 2017. Ian said: "To finally have this monument in the Capital of the United Kingdom as recognition for ALL of us who have given part of our lives to help in some small way is momentous, each and everyone and to those who sadly lost their lives, this is a beacon that all that took place was not in vein and a reminder to us all that the selfless commitments enable us the incredible gift we have of freedom in our country and to those countries who need our help. " (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)