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As the football community comes together this weekend to observe Remembrance, Nottingham Forest is immensely proud to welcome inspiring members of our Forest Forces community to the City Ground.

This weekend offers a powerful moment to reflect, honour, and show our deep gratitude to the service personnel and veterans who have dedicated their lives to defending others. Representing our club with distinction on Saturday, our dedicated Remembrance Guard and Wreath Layers – alongside our bugler, embody the very best of courage, resilience, and community spirit.

Among those stepping onto the pitch is Sean Severn, a Warrant Officer (WO1) Air Loadmaster Master Aircrew serving at RAF Brize Norton, who will be attending his first match in uniform as both a serving member of HM Forces and a proud local fan.

Joining Sean is Jack Reacher, a Flight Sergeant with over 16 years of service who shares a deep generational bond with the Reds through his grandfather, a former Director and Chairman of Nottingham Forest.

Our guard and wreath layers represent a remarkable tapestry of military heritage – from seasoned veterans of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and The Rifles to Royal Navy personnel, RAF medics, and those who have served on operations across the globe.

Guiding us through our pre-match moment of reflection will be Paul Cuthbert, our bugler. A lifelong Forest fan and veteran member of the Salvation Army who has played the cornet since the age of five, Paul will sound the tribute before kick-off, joined by family and community as we observe a collective silence.

As we stand side by side with Forest Forces this weekend, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to those who have served and their families.

Meet the Veterans

Nottingham Forest proudly pays tribute to the brave service personnel, veterans, and military families of our Forest Forces community. From those currently serving on operational duties around the globe to veteran supporters, we honour their sacrifices.

The Wreath Layers

Sean Severn: Born in Hucknall, Sean is in his final year of an incredible 42-year RAF career. A Master Aircrew (WO1) Air Loadmaster at RAF Brize Norton, he has flown on Wessex, Chinook, and Hercules aircraft across almost every major operational deployment. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours and Chairman of his local RBL branch, the lifelong Reds fan is proud to attend his first Forest game in full uniform.

Jack Reacher: Flight Sergeant Jack Reacher has served over 16 years in the RAF across leadership and operational roles, deploying to Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Cyprus, and the Falklands. Jack’s Forest roots run deep: his grandfather, Fred, was a former Club Chairman and Director. A lifelong supporter, Jack’s childhood memories include running out as a mascot alongside legend Stuart Pearce.

Bugler

Paul Cuthbert: Born and bred in Nottingham, retired and married to Hillary, Paul has been a member of the Salvation Army band his entire life – learning to play the cornet at just five years old! A passionate sports fan and regular runner, Paul is honoured to participate in the Remembrance ceremony before kick-off.

The Remembrance Guard

Honouring those standing proud on the pitch.

Aron Fowler: Served for 10 years in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment until injured in Afghanistan in 2007.

Ben Howes: 13 years in the Army (2nd Battalion, The Rifles), Royal Army Veterinary Corps dog handler, and close combat section commander.

David Peacock: Served in Germany and Northern Ireland; involved with the 13th Army Youth Team and Army Cadets.

Jane Ferreira: RAMC physiotherapy officer (2007–2019), serving at Headley Court and Stanford Hall, with an operational tour to Afghanistan.

Keith Straw: Joined the Grenadier Guards at 15 as a Junior Soldier, serving in Hong Kong, Brunei, and public duties.

Lee Blunt: Served across regular forces (The Queen’s Royal Lancers) and reserves (Army Intelligence in Bosnia), with deployments in Germany, Iraq, and Canada.

Maggie Cassidy: Joined PMRAFNS in 1978, training as an enrolled nurse at Ely and later serving as a mental health nurse.

Matthew Bailey: Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician serving at RAF Marham, 14 years in the Royal Navy, and a lifelong Forest fan.

Michael Staples: Served from 1979 to 1993, completing multiple tours of Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and various global postings.

Paul Grimbley: NATO ORF, Arctic Warfare, and Desert Warfare trained Close Reconnaissance Regiment veteran, lifelong Forest fan since 1974.

Nottingham Forest Foundation and Nottingham Forest Football Club are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. We currently hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, recognising the outstanding transferable skills that ex-service personnel can bring to organisations such as ourselves.

The programme welcomes people of all ages who have previously served – or are currently serving – in the armed forces or public services.

We will remember them.