At a ceremony at our Coldhams Lane Army Reserve Centre last month, the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, presented Certificates of Meritorious Service to inspirational cadet force staff/volunteers and appointed her new Lord Lieutenant Cadets.
One of the seven Meritorious Service certificate recipients was our very own Major Geoff Hammond, former Cadet Executive Officer of Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force. Major Hammond was presented with the award in recognition of his exemplary ten year tenure at Cambs ACF, where he inspired and supported staff, volunteers and cadets alike. He has had a hugely positive impact on many young lives in the county, in particular championing young people who have faced disadvantages as they have grown up. On presenting the award, Mrs Spence said:
‘Geoff has been such a stalwart since I have been the Lord Lieutenant. He has been phenomenal, giving me all the advice I need to get the very best out of my cadets.’
Congratulations to the other recipients of Meritorious Service certificates:
Pictured left to right:
- Officer Cadet Christopher Buckingham, CUOTC
- Flight Lieutenant Ryan Kidger, 1220 (March) Sqn ATC
- Major Geoff Hammond, retired EARFCA /Cambs ACF
- Flight Lieutenant Andrew Brown, Officer Commanding for 73 (Huntingdon) and 2331 (St Ives) Sqn ATC
- Major Colin Wells, Cambs ACF’s Assistant Commandant
- SSI Andy Phipps, Detachment Commander No2 (Cromwell) Company
- PO (SCC) M Evans, Officer in Charge, Huntingdon Unit
Lord Lieutenant Cadets
Five Lord Lieutenant Cadets were appointed at the ceremony, in recognition of the outstanding example and commitment to duty they have displayed, as cadets and as member of the Community. During the next 12 months they will accompany the Lord Lieutenant when she attends civic and military events and parades.
Pictured left to right:
- Cadet RSM Praneel Easwaran, Cambs ACF
- Cadet FS Billson, 1094 (Ely) Squadron, Air Cadets.
- Cadet Sgt Daniel White, Ramsey Detachment, No1 (Hereward) Company, Cambs ACF
- Cadet FS Davis Russellcook, 1094 (Ely) Squadron, Air Cadets.
- Cadet CSM Grace Randall, Whittlesey Detachment and No1 (Hereward) Company, Cambs ACF
For more information about all the winners, check out this article by Cambridgeshire ACF.
Pic credits Cambs ACF/Doug Stuart.