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Ian has been named Rifleman of the Year by The Rifles and The Rifleman's Association, at an awards evening at Silverstone.
The award recognises members of the Rifleman community for what they continue to give to others. For Ian, it caps a year that included a solo, unsupported ski to the South Pole and the summit of Mount Vinson, all in support of veterans' charities.
“Extremely proud and humbled to receive the Rifleman of the Year award,” Ian said.
“The values and friendships that come from serving as a Rifleman stay with you long after you leave the Army. I'm incredibly proud to remain part of that family and, hopefully, to show that the spirit of Swift and Bold continues well beyond service,” he added.
A Rifleman for life
Ian enlisted with the Royal Green Jackets in 1985 and served for four years, before a career as a deep-sea diver and building his own subsea business. He has stayed close to the regiment ever since, and is Treasurer of the Royal Green Jackets Association's North West branch.
His expeditions raise money for veterans' mental health through the Always a Rifleman Programme, overseen by The Rifleman's Association. The Queen, as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, is the Association's first Patron.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, has said: “Ian Hughes has already conquered the challenges that many of us could only dream of.”
Ian thanked The Rifles, The Rifleman's Association and everyone involved in organising the evening, adding that there are still a few adventures left to come.
Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman.
