In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 3 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE CStJ at the awards ceremony at Chapman VC House, Cwmbran, on Thursday 30 January.
The recipients were Staff Sergeant Paul Carter of 100 Field Squadron, The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and Second Lieutenant Katie Marfell and Sergeant Major Instructor Tyrone Gravell both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force.
The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 3 cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by 80 people.
Cadet Sergeant Major Robert Lewis and Cadet Sergeant Major Thomas Wilson both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer Megan Hutton of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience highlights of their time in cadets.
The role, which lasts for a year, includes attendance with the Brigadier (who acts as the King’s representative) at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
The 3 were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
The King’s Coronation Medal was also presented to Staff Sergeant Paul Carter, 5 members of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and two members of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, in recognition of their service. The King’s Coronation Medal is a thank you from the nation for those who were a member of the Armed Forces on 6 May 2023 and had 5 years’ uninterrupted service.
They were Second Lieutenant Greg McFarlane, Staff Sergeant Instructor Peter Clements, Staff Sergeant Instructor Peter Hire, Staff Sergeant Instructor Kevin Trigg and Sergeant Instructor Clive Scott of Gwent and Powys ACF and Squadron Leader Ken Lavender and Squadron Leader Chris Stubbs of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.
Staff Sergeant Peter Hire was also presented with the Cadet Forces’ Medal, which is awarded to members of the Cadet Force for 12 years service.
Volunteer service recognition awards were also presented to three members of the Sea Cadet Corps. These were Civilian Instructor Brendyn Metcalfe of Torfaen Sea Cadets for 12 years service, Petty Officer Bryony Duggan of Newport Sea Cadets for six years service and Mr Robin Lawlor of Torfaen Sea Cadets also for six years service.
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 Forces for over 100 years.
