The impact of Legacy Giving, ensuring support for veterans
As veterans make the transition from military service to civilian life, the importance of making or updating a will can get overlooked.
Drafting a will is not only a practical step in securing the future of your loved ones but also a way to continue to support fellow service members by leaving a gift to charity.
Former soldier, Charles Dunphie, has chosen to do just that, by pledging a gift in his will to the Army Benevolent Fund.
Looking after your people
Charles was following in the footsteps of his father, his grandfather and great-grandfathers, when he joined the Army. He was commissioned into The Royal Green Jackets, which then became The Rifles, serving for 18 years.
“The Army is very good at training you to confront challenges and deal with them,” says Charles.
“I learned a lot from my father’s experience, but what I learned the most was how important it is to look after your people. I saw that everybody – soldiers of many ranks and families – had a huge amount of respect for my dad, because he cared deeply about his Riflemen.”
This made a big impression on Charles and, after leaving the Army, he took on the role of Regional Director in Scotland for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. Since 1944, the ABF has been at the forefront of support for the Army family. Last year (FY 24/25), it supported over 80,000 people in 52 countries through its grants to individuals and funding for 93 other organisations and charities.
Charles learned at first hand the value of the ABF’s lifetime support for soldiers, veterans and their families, many of whom he met as part of his work. “I’ve got friends and colleagues who have needed to call on the ABF’s help. The charity makes sure the money goes where the need is greatest, and helps people in moments of crisis.”
This motivated Charles to continue to support the charity after he left the ABF, most recently by committing to leave a gift in his will.
Charles says: “I want to help make sure the Army can take care of its people until the day they die. When problems hit, it’s good to know that someone has stuck their hand out to offer help.”
As one of the largest funders in the sector, the ABF supports the Army family through all of life’s challenges, including bereavement, injury, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. The funding from gifts in Wills provides a third of the charity’s fundraising income. This enables the ABF to respond swiftly to the needs of individuals, often making grants within 48 hours of being alerted that a person or family is in need.
Making a will is an opportunity to secure your family’s future while also having an impact on the wider military community. Having a clear, documented plan in advance reduce the burdens on family members during difficult times and helps make it clear how assets will be distributed.
Charles urges other soldiers and veterans to consider supporting the ABF with a gift in their will. “I’m as guilty as anyone for putting important things off,” he says. “But if you decide you’d like to leave a gift in your will, seize the moment, because you’ve got the ability to help others.”