The Veterans panel with Karen Brinkman of East Kent Mind and Stephanie Young of Hartsdown Academy

Students quiz veterans panel

A trio of veterans joined a panel to meet students to talk about experience of military service.

Organised by East Kent Mind’s Armed Forces Connector, Karen Brinkman, the panel visited Hartsdown Academy in Margate.

The three veterans represented Army, Navy and Royal Air Force and were Des Buckley, Mai Knight, and Jan Edis, who met with Year 10 history students in Mrs Stephanie Young’s class.

The session brought together two generations for a powerful conversation that bridged experience with curiosity. It gave students the chance to hear real-life stories behind the history they’re learning, while giving veterans a valued opportunity to share their memories, wisdom, and resilience.

Karen said: “These intergenerational conversations are so important — they help build understanding, mutual respect, and a stronger sense of community. A big thank you to Hartsdown Academy for the warm welcome, and to Des, Mai, and Jan for sharing their time and stories.”

East Kent Mind’s Veterans Project is funded by the Veterans Foundation. The project provides a combination of wellbeing support activities and courses, along with social events and activities to reduce social isolation and to connect ex-military to extended assistance when needed.

Veterans Panel – event video