In the lead up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, we are showcasing a number of employees who represent Armed Forces communities at Landmarc. First up is veteran and Training Area Operative, Neil Obbard, who shares how military service shaped his life, strengthened his faith and inspired him to continue supporting the Armed Forces community through his work at Landmarc.
Neil Obbard, a Training Area Operative at Donna Nook Air Weapons Range, served for 25 years in the British Army before joining Landmarc. His military career included service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, where he held roles including Light Infantry soldier, sniper, sniper instructor and Platoon Sergeant before transferring to the Adjutant General’s Corps following an injury.
Reflecting on his decision to join the Army, Neil said, “I wanted to make a difference.”
His military career brought many opportunities but also significant personal challenges. After leaving the Army, Neil experienced PTSD and reached a point where he struggled with suicidal thoughts. He credits his Christian faith with helping him rebuild his life and discover a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, alongside his role at Landmarc, Neil volunteers extensively in the community, supporting veterans through Care After Combat and visiting prisons to help former service personnel rebuild their lives.
More recently, Neil has become a passionate advocate for veterans living with hearing loss. After being diagnosed as severely to profoundly deaf, he helped establish a local British Sign Language (BSL) group for veterans, creating opportunities for others to learn new communication skills and build supportive networks.
With support from Landmarc, which provided BSL learning resources for the group, the initiative has continued to grow. Neil’s work has also contributed to Lincolnshire County Council introducing free online BSL courses, helping improve access for veterans across the county.
Speaking about the transition to civilian life, Neil said: “I had a plan, but like all plans, nothing survives contact with the enemy. I’ve learned to be adaptable and trust that every opportunity comes for a reason.”
That adaptability continues to influence the way he approaches his role at Landmarc today.
“Working at Landmarc means I’m still playing my part in supporting our Armed Forces,” Neil explained. “Every day, our teams help maintain the training estate so military personnel can train to the highest standards. It may be a different uniform, but the sense of purpose remains the same.”
Neil also praised the support he has received from Landmarc as a veteran.
“When I set up our veterans’ BSL group, Landmarc provided books and dictionaries for everyone, and I’ve also appreciated the flexibility to support my wider community work.”
When asked what advice he would give to fellow service leavers considering a career with Landmarc, Neil’s answer was characteristically straightforward:
“NIKE – Just Do It!”
As Landmarc marks Armed Forces Week, Neil’s story reflects the lasting value that veterans bring to the organisation through resilience, adaptability, teamwork and a continued commitment to service.
