A London based accounts manager is on target to realise his vision for the youth of Hertfordshire.
Family man and Army Cadet Force Officer Kevin Marshallsay, 50, lives in Borehamwood with his wife Mandy, and is no stranger to the needs of young people. His son Daniel, now 24, joined the Army Cadet Force as a teenager and with dad’s support eventually became a Master Cadet. Inspired by his son, Kevin joined up as an adult instructor despite having no military background – and when Daniel eventually left the cadet force at the age of eighteen he loved it so much he also rejoined to serve as an adult instructor.
“To be an adult leader in the cadet force you don’t need military experience as all training is provided”, says Kevin. “It’s more about who you are as a person, as the aim is to provide young people with guidance to develop life skills and social values based on the standards of the British Army.”
Kevin is well used to taking the lead and strives to make a difference in whatever he does. His background is in operations management, working for Canning Town waste disposal and recycling company VIRIDOR, where he handles twelve major accounts and a host of smaller ones. He realised his ambition to become an Army Cadet Force officer in April this year by passing a selection board to achieve a Queen’s Commission as Second Lieutenant appointed to work directly with local young people.
“I chose to become an officer because I wanted to be more involved and directly influence the activities that are provided” says Kevin. “The army cadet force provides a wide range of opportunities for young people aged 12 to 18 and I believe that my life experience will help them to build successful futures.”
Having been the commander of twenty two cadets at Hertford Detachment since January 2013, Kevin is shortly to take up position as the training officer for the area. He believes that fun, challenging activities – in a safe learning environment – is key to developing character and confidence in the young.
In his spare time Kevin enjoys following all types of sport and is also a keen musician, now learning the guitar having previously learned to play wind instruments whilst at school. One of his ambitions is to create a Cadet Corp of Drums in Hertfordshire so the cadets can experience the sense of satisfaction that music and teamwork have to offer.
An army cadet force open day is taking place at the TA Centre, 28, St. Andrews Street, Hertford on Saturday 28th June 2014 from 10am until 3pm. Everyone is invited to come along, have some fun and find out for themselves what the cadet force is all about.
The good news is that the Army Cadet Force is now looking for adults from all walks of life who share Kevin’s passion for helping young people to achieve. People able to take on the challenge of being an officer are needed throughout the area. No previous military experience or high levels of fitness are required. The ACF needs people with common sense, drive and determination who have the ability to communicate with young people and lead other adults in shaping their future. Benefits include free training and equipment, repayment of expenses and payment for time given. Management qualifications are also on offer, which could also improve personal career success.
Get in touch…
For more information about the army cadet force and how you can be part of it call 01992 582423 or visit www.armycadets.com