A former serviceman from Plymouth who helped evacuate casualties during the Iraq War has spoken about the lasting impact of his service and how he has worked to rebuild his life in the years since.
Steve Hooper, 42, served two tours in southern Iraq. His first tour was in Basra as an RAF ambulance driver, operating from the city during some of the most intense periods of the conflict. His role involved transporting injured soldiers and civilians from helicopter landing zones to medical facilities, often under extremely challenging conditions.
During his second tour, Hooper was deployed to Baghdad as an Escort Driver, a role that involved transporting personnel in high-risk environments and providing protective duties. While not formally qualified as Close Protection, the role required constant vigilance, quick decision-making under pressure, and exposure to sustained threat.
After earlier service in Northern Ireland, Hooper volunteered for deployment in late 2006 and was based at Basra airfield for several months. While his roles were not frontline combat positions, the experiences he faced had a profound and lasting effect.
Hooper has spoken openly about the psychological impact of his service, including living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Moral Injury Syndrome, a condition that can arise when individuals are exposed to events that conflict with their moral or ethical values. Simply understanding that Moral Injury exists can be an important first step in helping veterans recognise what they are experiencing and seek support. He has highlighted the importance of long-term, consistent support for veterans, particularly after leaving the armed forces.
Following his Iraq service, Hooper continued his military career for almost a decade. In later years, he went on to represent Team UK, which includes Northern Ireland, at the Invictus Games, captaining the team in Canada. He describes this experience as an important part of his recovery journey, reflecting both resilience and commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
He now works in cyber security and remains actively involved in veteran support networks, using his own experiences to encourage others to seek help and stay connected.
Hooper is set to attend a national service of remembrance organised by the Royal British Legion, bringing together former service personnel who took part in Operation Telic between 2003 and 2011, along with families of those who lost their lives. The event will recognise both those who were killed in the conflict and those who continue to live with its long-term consequences.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post