North Lanarkshire cadets have been honoured with a prestigious award for their outstanding contribution to the organisation. The Cadet Adult Recognition Awards (CARAs) have acknowledged the dedication and selflessness of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who have been instrumental in helping young people aged 12-18 develop new skills, prepare for adulthood, and build lasting friendships. Two remarkable individuals from North Lanarkshire, Sergeant Grierson from 3 Platoon (RSB) Newmains and Sergeant Martin from 3 Troop Airdrie Royal Engineers, have been recognised with this highly coveted award.
Sgt Grierson expressed his gratitude for winning the award, mentioning that he never expected to be nominated and that the recognition motivates him to continue supporting and guiding cadets. Similarly, Sgt Martin, who volunteers in Airdrie, shared his joy at receiving the award, stating that it affirms his dedication to helping cadets beyond just their training syllabus, by preparing them for life after the Cadets with essential skills like job interviews and college applications.
The CARAs, now in its fifth year, received a record number of nominations from Cadet members of the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps. The overwhelming number of nominations reflects the deep appreciation and admiration the young Cadets have for their adult instructors. The winning CFAVs were commended for their hard work and commitment in providing fun, challenging, and enriching experiences for the Cadets, preparing them for their future endeavours.
Head of Communications at Lowland RFCA, Kate Johnston, praised the CFAVs for their continuous support and engagement with the young Cadets, helping them develop both personally and professionally. Alongside the prestigious certificate, each award winner was presented with a gift voucher sponsored by a local business, showcasing the community’s support for these dedicated volunteers.
In conclusion, the CARAs highlight the invaluable role that CFAVs play in shaping the lives of young people, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for personal development. The recognition and appreciation from the Cadets demonstrate the profound impact these volunteers have in nurturing the next generation and preparing them for success in various aspects of life.