Armed Forces Send A Surprise Message Back To Loved Ones In Valentine’s Video

With approximately 11,000 military personnel abroad stationed from Brunei to Belize, there are bound to be a lot of separated sweethearts this Valentine’s Day.

To make the distance a little more bearable the Armed Forces charity SSAFA teamed up with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force to record a special rendition of Bruno Mars’ hit song ‘Just The Way You Are’.

The lip sync video of the now classic love ballad features members of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, 815 Naval Air Squadron, 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force, RAF Firefighters and engineers.

The military men and woman with red roses and toy hearts in hand are seen singing, sliding and swaying to the love song.

Thousands of military families live apart, often for weeks at a time. SSAFA decided to bring them closer together through the power of music.

The ‘top-secret’ video was filmed at the Royal Navy Air Station, Yeovilton and RAF Brize Norton.

Flight Lieutenant Kurt Baldwin who proposed to his wife on Valentine’s Day in 2012 could not pass on an opportunity to send her a singing love message on their anniversary.

The C-17 pilot based at Brize Norton 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.”

Sergeant Paul Caufield who is also based in Brize Norton jumped at the chance to send his wife and three daughters a special Valentine’s message on what he says is a family occasion. He said:

“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.”

Being away from loved ones for prolonged periods of time can be tough at any time of year and gets especially hard during holidays.

SSAFA offers support to Forces and their families at any time of the year and has been doing so since 1885.

Whether you’re missing a loved one or are looking for general support and advice on a range of issues from welfare, housing or healthcare don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The charity helps more than 73,000 people a year and has a dedicated staff and a team of dedicated volunteers on Army, RAF and Naval bases in the UK and around the world.