Seventeen adult volunteers recognised for their outstanding work during the pandemic

When the country was forced into a national lockdown last March, the cessation of all face to face activities presented several challenging opportunities for the Air Cadet organisation.

This closure forced the Air Cadet organisation to come up with a new way of digital working, supported by Microsoft Teams.

Many adult volunteers within No 1 Welsh Wing took this opportunity as a catalyst to drive the organisation forward by creating collaborative tools in order to deliver the best possible learning opportunities for the cadets.

Although most of the adult staff were involved in this digital drive forward, a few were key instigators to its success. These 17 individuals have been recognised in the latest round of Air Cadet Air Commandants Commendations for their outstanding work during the pandemic and other loyal service.

The following have been awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Service. In alphabetical order:

Flight Lieutenant Thomas Beach – 1223 (Caerphilly) Squadron

Flight Lieutenant Huw O’Connell – 30F (City of Llandaff) Squadron

Flying Officer Gareth Jenkins – 277 (Blackwood) Squadron

Warrant Officer Garry Atkinson – 1223 (Caerphilly) Squadron

Warrant Officer Christopher Batten – 2167 (Tredegar) Squadron

Warrant Officer Andrew Davies – 2308 (Cwmbran) Squadron

Warrant Officer Byron Gwillym – 2308 (Cwmbran) Squadron

Warrant Officer Jo Holley – 275 (Nantyglo & Blaina) Squadron

WO Parfitt – 2167 (Tredegar) Squadron

Flight Sergeant Matthew Hackett – 2077 (Pontyclun) Squadron

Flight Sergeant Josh Price – 415 (Merthyr Tydfil) Squadron

Flight Sergeant Richard Renshaw – 1367 (Caerleon) Squadron

Sergeant Martin Edwards – 415 (Merthyr Tydfil) Squadron

Sergeant Glover – 1367 (Caerleon) Squadron

Sergeant Alex Jones – 30F (City of Llandaff) Squadron

Civilian Instructor Owen Fry – 1367 (Caerleon) Squadron

Civilian Committee Chair Mr K Read – 277 (Blackwood) Squadron

Wing Commander Bob Timothy said, “These commendations recognise the exceptional effort our staff have made during the pandemic. They have all met the challenge and uncertainty of operating in the virtual world and I am pleased that the Commandant RAFAC has honoured them in this way.”