This Saturday is a time for celebrating and supporting the Armed Forces, thanking them for their dedication, bravery, and sacrifice. In solidarity, the Call of Duty Endowment has launched a short, 90-second film detailing the valuable and transferable skills ex-service personnel have, making them an asset to any civilian organization.

“Maybe it’s time to look at who we are and who we can be. Maybe it’s time to see this skills of ex-Armed Forces in a new light.”

During production, we sat down with Sean Russell, one of the three ex-Armed Forces personnel featured in the short film, to talk to him about his service, how one of the related Call of Duty Endowment charities helped him prepare for a life after the military, and his plans for the Day:

Activision Games Blog (AGB): Thank you for your service. Can you tell us about your service?

Sean Russell (SR): I served in the British Army within the Household Cavalry.

AGB: What does Armed Forces Day mean to you?

SR: Armed forces day is a fantastic opportunity to help raise money and commemorate being a British soldier for serving and ex-serving personnel.

AGB: How does the RFEA (The Forces Employment Charity that Call of Duty Endowment donates to) help you, and fellow ex-service personnel seeking employment?

SR: The RFEA is next to none as a charity, helping you to understand and articulate your transferable skills, in addition to building self-confidence, which is crucial when speaking to civilian recruiters, who may not understand or appreciate the unique skills we offer.

AGB: What recommendations would you give to ex-service personnel or active military that are hoping to acquire work after they leave the military?

SR: My own personal recommendations for anyone who is serving or has served in the British Army is to reach out to ex-service charities and try to work out a plan or end goal. Help is out there.

AGB: What kind of unique attributes do service men and women bring to the work place?

SR: I personally believe that service men and women have so much to bring to any work place. The unique skills that they hold such as discipline, team work and diversity are incredibly valuable to any company.

AGB: How would you recommend non-military celebrate Armed Forces Day?

SR: Any civilians that support the Armed Forces Day really do not know the pride it brings to anyone who has served or is serving to be supported by the public.

AGB: Thank you for your time and service, Sean.

What are some of the best ways to support to the Endowment, both in the United States and the United Kingdom?

There are a number of ways you can help; not least of which is checking out the Call of Duty Endowment ‘Ways You Can Help’ page, where you can buy supportive apparel, in-game items or directly donate to support the cause. Also, if you are a former military member who needs help finding a job—or know one who does—please visit our ‘Veteran Support’ page.  For UK ex-forces, or transitioning armed forces members looking for work, the Call of Duty Endowment (UK) works with two wonderful organizations: The RFEA and Walking with the Wounded. Go here to find out more about the assistance they offer.

Co-founded in 2009 by Bobby Kotick, the Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) foundation supported by Activision Blizzard, its customers and consumers. For further information or updates about the Call of Duty Endowment, or if you’d like to place an online donation, visit the Call of Duty Endowment website, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.