14 people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent
The efforts of 14 people, including 9 young cadets from across Gwent have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.
Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Awards. Copyright: Wales RFCA.
In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 5 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE CStJ in the awards ceremony at Chapman VC House, Cwmbran, on Thursday 11 April.
The 5 recipients were: Chief Petty Officer Robert Evans of HMS CAMBRIA; Staff Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Ehsan Iqbal of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force; Pilot Officer Sarah Louise Beach, and Warrant Officer Joanna Holley, both of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, and Major Stephen John, Schools Cadet Expansion Officer for Wales RFCA.
The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 5 cadets were also recognised and celebrated during the event, attended by more than 90 people.
The cadets were: Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Ciara Bannon and Cadet Company Sergeant Major Deiniol Hughes, both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force; Cadet Company Sergeant Major Thomas Morgan of Monmouth School Combined Cadet Force; Cadet Sergeant Alexander Lee of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, and Cadet Sergeant Sophy Cadman of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.
The role lasts for a year, and 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 5 were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Wales RFCA.
They follow in the footsteps of those who were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate and badge for being the 2022/2023 representatives.
A long-service award was also presented to a member of the Sea Cadet Corps. Lieutenant (SCC) Benjamin Yuille RMR of Torfaen Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal for 12 years of 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 Wales RFCA – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.