THE comments of commanding officer Lt Col David Swann were echoed by an old comrade of the Worcestershire tank regiment.
Joe Cox, at Athlone Barracks for the Regimental Association visit which coincided with Prince Philip's presentation of Golden Jubilee Medals on Saturday, said those who joined the Hussars would make friends they could count on for the rest of their lives.
He added that those in the regiment forged close friendships, not only because they lived and worked together, but also because they learned to rely on and trust one another.
The 65-year-old veteran said the lives of those in the regiment also "became entwined" as they had families who grew up and became close friends as well.
"It really is a big family, and it's a family we are all very proud to be part of," he said.
"Weekends like this with the Association bring us back together, which is great. It shows that the special bond we all had when we were serving has not gone."
The former warrant officer, who lives in Tolpuddle, Dorset, said it was not just the old comrades who made an effort to keep the Association alive, praising the Worcestershire tank regiment for doing so much to help it.
"The Hussars do an awful lot for us, like this weekend. It just goes to show how much effort is made by the regiment to keep in touch with us and ensure we can maintain the friendships we made while serving."
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