Yesterday (May 9), East Kent Mind’s Armed Forces Connector Karen Brinkman led a school visit to Hartsdown Academy in Margate as part of the charity’s veterans project — bringing together two generations through shared stories and lived experience.
Karen was joined by three local veterans from all three branches of the military — Des Buckley, Mai Knight, and Jan Edis — who engaged with Year 10 history students during a special session aimed at fostering understanding, curiosity, and community connection.
The visit gave students an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from those who experienced military life and wartime events, offering real-life insight into the historical topics they study in the classroom. In turn, it gave the veterans a platform to share their personal stories, wisdom and resilience with a younger generation.
“These kinds of intergenerational conversations are so important,” said Karen. “They build respect, deepen historical understanding, and help create stronger community bonds. Watching the students engage so thoughtfully with the veterans was truly inspiring.”
The visit was part of a wider series of community activities under the East Kent Mind veterans project and was made possible thanks to funding from the Veterans Foundation, which supports projects connecting and assisting members of the Armed Forces community across the region.
