News

TOP JOBS FOR TWO AIR CADETS FROM STAMFORD AND MELTON MOWBRAY

Cadet Corporal (Cpl) Evie Griffen from 2071 Stamford Squadron has been appointed the new Station Commander’s Cadet. Cadet Cpl Jessica Brown from 1279 Melton Mowbray Squadron, is the new A4 Force Elements Commander’s Cadet.

Group Captain Jo Lincoln is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commander of the A4 Force Elements. These are the specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support RAF operations in the UK and overseas. This combined role presented an opportunity to appoint two supporting Cadets and, for the next year, Evie and Jess will be given a unique insight into the RAF.

Group Captain Lincoln said: “It was a tough competition. My executive Warrant Officers both scrutinized the large volume of applications we received. Many were of a very high standard, but the applications from Cadet Cpls Brown and Griffen really stood out.”

Evie and Jess were amazed to find out they’d been successful. Evie said: “When Group Captain Lincoln told me I had achieved the role I was speechless and ecstatic at the same time. I thought ‘how can I have got the role, I’m only a Corporal after all!’”

Jess said: “I genuinely couldn’t believe it. I feel beyond honoured to think that Group Captain Lincoln, Warrant Officer Little and Warrant Officer Greening all saw something special in me to carry out such a prestigious role. I sure hope that I will go above and beyond their expectations.”

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, an official photograph has not been possible so far. With their first task identified, Jess, a keen photographer, and Evie produced two terrific montage images with the help of RAF Wittering’s photographic section.

In addition to their Cadet duties, Evie and Jess are expected to participate fully in their education and maintain high schoolwork standards. Both Cadets have RAF career aspirations. Evie is considering a career in the RAF Police or as a photographer. Jess is interested in becoming an RAF Police dog-handler or a medic.

Group Captain Lincoln said: “The way Evie and Jess reacted to the news that they had been successful told me straight away that we had chosen the right Cadets. I am delighted to welcome them to the RAF Wittering and A4 Force Elements’ family and can’t wait to meet them in person, once it is safe to do so.”

Group Captain Lincoln concluded: “Cadet Cpls Brown and Griffen will have this opportunity only once, so it’s really important that, together, we make the most of the next twelve months. It’s going to be a brilliant journey for them and hopefully full of experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

If you are interested in becoming part of the RAF Air Cadets, click here to find a Unit near you.

Interested in supporting your local Cadets? Why not become a role model for Cadets by joining as an Adult Volunteer, click here to find out more.