On Wednesday 2 April, the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life hosted the annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards presentation for the Lieutenancy of Lanarkshire, celebrating the incredible service of six local Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).
The award ceremony saw the CFAVs receive their Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service in acknowledgement of their dedication to supporting and mentoring young people in their communities through the Army Cadet Force (ACF), Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) and RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC).
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey CBE, said in an official statement: ‘I am delighted to once again offer my congratulations and heartfelt thanks to this year’s recipients of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service.
‘The contribution of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to their community is valuable beyond words. Through their dedication and diligence, young people from all walks of life enjoy so many unique and exciting opportunities that allow them to grow into confident, capable adults and form long-lasting friendships along the way.’
The Certificates of Meritorious Service were presented to CFAVs from the following local units:
- Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force
- Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadets
- East Kilbride Sea Cadets
- Headquarters West of Scotland Wing RAF Air Cadets
- 449 (Lanark) Squadron RAF Air Cadets
‘I feel very humbled and honoured to be given this award,’ said Lieutenant Robin Thomson, a volunteer with Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadets. ‘During my years as a CFAV, I’ve enjoyed seeing so many young people grow up into confident and mature members of society.
‘I would say that any adult wishing to achieve something and to dedicate themselves to a worthy cause should absolutely consider becoming a volunteer with the Sea Cadet Corps.’
Lieutenant Eamonn Gallagher, also of Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadets, was equally pleased to be recognised for his service, commenting: ‘It came as a surprise to me as I had no idea that I had been nominated, but it really is an honour to receive this award.
‘The Lanarkshire community has had a great impact on our work as CFAVs through their continuous support to their local youth organisations, for which I feel both very proud and very grateful.
‘For me, the biggest highlight of being an adult volunteer is knowing that I can help the Cadets to learn self-discipline and self-respect, which will no doubt help them in their future lives.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland RFCA, said of this year’s winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Cadets and Civilians whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire.
‘It is often said that our Reservists and volunteers are “twice the citizen” – committed to serving our Nation and their communities on top of their everyday jobs and personal lives. It is a tall order, and those who have received Certificates of Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in this respect. Their respective units and organisations have all benefited from their skills, determination and selflessness. They are a credit to the Defence community and the Nation. Thank you and well done.’
