The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, The Countess of Euston, presented Certificates to her new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, Cadet Force adult volunteers and a reseervist at an annual ceremony in Ipswich.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, The Countess of Euston, presented Certificates to worthy Cadets, Cadet Force adult volunteers and a reservist at a ceremony held at Ipswich Army Reserve Centre.
Three worthy Cadets were appointed as this year’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets; they will accompany the Lord-Lieutenant to official events throughout the year. The Lord-Lieutenant also presented Certificates of Meritorious Service to outstanding adult volunteers.
Recipients of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service
Lieutenant Ian Partridge – Volunteer Cadet Corps
Lt Ian Partridge joined Suffolk Army Cadet Force in 2004 and has held appointments as Coy First Aid Training Advisor, Detachment Commander and Company Duke of Edinburgh Award Officer, and Medical Support Officer. He was awarded the ACF Certificate of Good Service in 2016, became a Member of the Order of St John in 2021 and was awarded a clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal in 2022. On 31st August, he retired from both his full-time and volunteer roles with Suffolk ACF.
Colonel Andy Smith – Commandant Suffolk Army Cadet Force
Col Andy Smith has completed over 26 years with the ACF. He has held all major appointments during his ACF career and when he leaves his post as Commandant in January 2023, he hopes to take up another appointment within the Cadet Forces movement. His most notable highlights include – leading the UK ACF on the International Army Cadet Exchange to the Cayman Islands in 2008 and taking his County to Sennelager for an Annual Camp in 2018. He was awarded the ACF Certificate of Good Service in 2015 and the 2nd clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal in 2020.
Sergeant Michael Jeffs – Reservist with 677 Sqn Army Air Corps
Sgt Jeffs joined the Army Air Corps in 2006, performing various roles within the unit since then and is currently the full-time ReMSO for 677 Sqn. His commitment to the Reserves over the last 16 years has been outstanding, which has included tours to Afghanistan with 4 Regiment Army Air Corps in 2009, 2010 and 2013.
Flight Lieutenant Ralph Appleby – Officer Commanding 2470 (Sudbury) Sqn Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Flt Lt Ralph Appleby joined the RAFAC as a cadet in 1972, transferred to adult service, then rose through the ranks to Squadron Commander of 2470 (Sudbury) Squadron, a post he still holds today. Ralph’s journey to and from the Squadron is a 90-minute round trip which he completes twice a week as well as other weekend activities. Ralph is a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition assessor at bronze and silver levels, e has gained his Lowland Leader Award to offer adventurous training opportunities to his cadets and he became a Skill at Arms Instructor and Range Conducting Officer to offer marksmanship opportunities for cadets. He is also an instructor at the CCF (RAF Section) at the Royal Hospital School.
Suffolk Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for 22-23:
Cadet Staff Sergeant Ben Woodcock, Royal Hospital School Combined Cadet Force (Army), was selected to represent the Contingent in the US exchange programme with the US JROTC in Summer 2022.
Cadet Cpl Elizabeth West, C Company Suffolk Army Cadet Force, attended the first Cadet Cyberfirst Defenders course, and then at the first opportunity she returned and attended the advanced course. She is a kick boxing black belt and a trained lifeguard studying Maths and Computer Sciences at A-level.
Cadet Warrant Officer Charles Wilson – 2470 (Sudbury) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, as an over 18 cadet, assists with all instruction of Essential First Aid, radio and cyber training for younger cadets. He was part of the Best Air Cadet Team awarded by the British Military Contingent and more recently being awarded a bursary for the 19-day ‘Pinnacle Expedition’ in Scotland.
The Lord-Lieutenants preside over the RFCA and its work in the counties. Many RFCA members proudly support the work of the lieutenancies as Deputy Lieutenants in their counties. Contributing to the Lord-Lieutenant’s awards ceremonies is part of the RFCA’s contribution to the wellbeing of Reserves and Cadets in the regions, under our Community Engagement work.