News
January 20th 2025
Leicestershire Army Cadet named ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has named an Army Cadet its Young Volunteer of the Year for making a real difference to people in the area.
Congratulations to Cadet Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Chloe Mushen (above, centre right), of Wigston Detachment, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland (LNR) Army Cadets, who was recognised at the council’s annual Celebration of Volunteers.
Reflecting on the award, Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Thomas Cleverley, Detachment Commander of Wigston Troop, described Cadet SSgt Mushen as “a Cadet whose level of care for others is second to none.”
He added: “Cadet SSgt Mushen is an amazing young person who has been ever-present in all community engagement activities that Wigston Detachment has run. She has also recently started her 4-star community engagement, which involves planning her own event.
“She truly embodies the values and standards of the Army Cadet Force, particularly selfless commitment; a worthy recipient of this award.”
Community-minded
Cadet SSgt Mushen with Detachment Commander SSI Cleverley.
In her nomination to Oadby and Wigston Borough Council – which has held the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award since 2020 – Cadet SSgt Mushen was praised for working tirelessly at the Victory Show, a well-known local World War Two re-enactment; mentoring younger Cadets; and volunteering for all of the Detachment’s community engagements.
In addition to the honour, Cadet SSgt Mushen received £100 for herself and £400 to donate to a local charity. The 17-year-old chose the Pantry Nook foodbank.
Cadet SSgt Mushen said: “There were some very good candidates and to be recognised as the victor filled me with an enormous sense of self-worth and pride.
“I haven’t volunteered to win an award, I continue to do it for the betterment of my local community.”
She added: “I believe the Army Cadets is an amazing opportunity for young people and I hope to encourage more to join the ranks.
“I also take pride in where I live, and wish to help those less fortunate, even if all I can give is time, I feel like I can contribute something to those in need.”
Pride
In total, there were 50 nominations across the 3 award categories. Cadet Harry Walter, of Glen Parva Detachment, LNR Army Cadets, was also shortlisted in the Young Volunteer of the Year category.
Lorna Mushen, Cadet SSgt Mushen’s mum, said: “I am so proud of what Chloe has achieved during her time with the Army Cadets.
“Winning this award proves that all her hard work is paying off. I’m incredibly grateful to the Army Cadets for supporting her growth into a fabulous young lady.”
Stuart Williams OBE is the Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, which champions, supports and enables young people.
He added: “Congratulations to Cadet SSgt Mushen. Being named Young Volunteer of the Year from an area of 60,000 people is no small feat.
“Cadets such as Cadet SSgt Mushen are an inspiration not only to their peers but us all. They add real value within our communities and not least in Oadby and Wigston.”
Interested in joining the Cadets? Use our Cadet Finder to find a location near you.
