The Armed Forces charity SSAFA has teamed up with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force to arrange a special rendition of Bruno Mars’ hit song ‘Just the Way You Are’ in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.
The music video features members of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, 815 Naval Air Squadron, 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force, RAF Fire fighters, engineers and other ‘brave recruits’ taking a break from their day jobs to sing, slide, and sway to the love song sending a surprise message home.
Acknowledging the thousands of military families living apart, often for weeks at a time, SSAFA, created the ‘top-secret’ music video to help bring separated loved ones closer together this Valentine’s Day.
The video was filmed at the Royal Navy Air Station, Yeovilton and RAF Brize Norton. Featured in the clip is Flight Lieutenant Kurt Baldwin, a C-17 pilot based at Brize Norton, who proposed to his wife on Valentine’s Day in 2012. He said:
“It’s always tough being away from home and apart from my wife and children, but especially so on days like Valentine’s Day when you’re surrounded by chatter about love. My wife will probably roll her eyes and cringe at the sight of my dance moves, but I don’t mind. As long as it gets a laugh and a smile from her, I’m happy.”
Also featured is Sergeant Paul Caufield, Engineering Operations, based at Brize Norton. He said:
“I jumped at the chance to send a special Valentine’s Day message to my wife and three beautiful daughters as it’s a real family occasion for us. I’m grateful to not be away this year – but I’m hoping this video makes up for all the other special moments I’ve missed in the past.
“As childhood sweethearts and me being in the RAF since school, there have been many times I’ve been away from home, four months being the longest. Time can really drag sometimes, and I’ve felt helpless knowing my wife is looking after the entire family at home alone.”
Happy Valentine's Day from SSAFA!
SSAFA understands that keeping in touch with loved ones can be a challenge. With 11,000 members of our Armed Forces away from home this #ValentinesDay, we teamed up with @RAFBrizeNorton and @RNASYeovilton to let their loved ones know how special they are.
Posted by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity on Monday, 11 February 2019
To help SSAFA to support our military personnel, veterans and their families, please visit www.ssafa.org.uk/donate
About SSAFA
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 73,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts. For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
