A 26-year-old Marine from Holbeach is “going commando” on the front cover of a calendar that raises money for charity.
Sam Fowler, who is currently based at 43 Commando FPGRM (Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines) on the west coast of Scotland, said he and two other Marines put their names name forward for the Go Commando 2014 calendar “as a joke”.
He said: “The calendar was open for entry to the whole of the Royal Marines this year to mark the 350th anniversary.
“We only entered as a bit of a joke really, but were thrilled when we made the front cover.
“Then we were asked to travel down to Taunton, which is the home of the Go-Commando charity and runs the calendar to raise money to support Royal Marine families when their boys are away.
“We spent the day at Taunton Christmas market signing calendars and then turned on the Christmas lights in front of the whole town.”
Sam joined the Royal Marines in 2004 and this year has been away conducting training in the Falklands. He has just returned from a four-week package in the Californian desert, with more exercises around the world planned for next year.
He said: “Royal Marines training was the hardest thing I have ever done and probably ever will do, but earning my green beret was the proudest moment of my life.
“I have three brothers keen to follow my path. To anyone who is looking to get more out of a career I would thoroughly recommend life as a Royal Marines Commando.”
To help support the Go-Commando charity the calendar can be purchased at http://www.gocommando.org.uk