Reserve Forces Cadets Associations
In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, eleven people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenants Certificate of Merit by Mrs Louise Fleet JP, in the ceremony at John Chard VC House, Swansea on Thursday 25 January.
The eleven were Lieutenant Commander Andrew Davies and Karen Osmond both of HMS CAMBRIA; Helen Short of Swansea Sea Cadets Corps; Staff Sergeant Stephen Davies of157 (Welsh) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps; Captain Simon Chaplin of Gwent & Powys Army Cadet Force; Second Lieutenant Steve Jones and Sergeant Major Instructor Callum Williams both of Dyfed & Glamorgan ACF; Civilian Instructor Stewart Lawrence, Flying Officer Julia Havard, Fight Lieutenant Francesca OBrien and Flight Sergeant Thomas Jenkins all of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.
The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenants four cadets were also recognised and celebrated during the event attended by more than 100 people.
Cadet Colour Sergeant Madison Chaplin of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force; Cadet Flight Sergeant Ioan Osbourne of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets; Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major MacKenzie Bryan of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF and Leading Cadet Jessica Flynn of Swansea Sea Cadet Corps outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months.
The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.
The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.
The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Wales an organisation that has supported the Armed F