Nine Reservists, four Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and a Defence civil servant were recently acknowledged by the Lord-Lieutenant for the City of Glasgow for their outstanding service.
The ceremony, hosted at Glasgow City Chambers on Monday 21 November, saw recipients obtain their Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service from the Right Honourable the Lord Provost Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, His Majesty’s representative for the City of Glasgow.
Having represented the Crown at recent Defence events such as the Standard Presentation for 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, Remembrance Day and a visit to a local Air Cadets squadron, the Lord-Lieutenant had nothing but praise for each award winner in attendance:
‘It’s always wonderful to have an opportunity to personally congratulate everyone who has obtained a Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service. More than a thousand Reservists are affiliated with Glasgow and we’re extremely proud and grateful for their record of service – to their units and their communities.
‘This is a city with a long and proud military history and your dedication continues that unwavering line of duty and service. My gratitude also goes to the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who show such enthusiasm and commitment in training and supporting the young Cadets in their care. It’s that selflessness and willingness to share their skill that makes this scheme such a success, with mentors passing on wisdom and skills that will stay with their young charges for life. It’s also that willingness to “pass it on” that makes the world a richer and better place. It’s a very proud evening for everyone.’
The nine Reservists who received their certificates included representatives from all three branches of the Reserve Forces. The local units represented during the evening were:
- Glasgow & Strathclyde Universities’ Officers’ Training Corps
- 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron
- HMS Dalriada
- 221 Squadron, 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
Petty Officer (PO) Mark Warnock, who was nominated while still in the rank of Leading Hand at HMS Dalriada, said of this achievement: ‘I’m not used to winning awards like this at all. Normally I’m the champion of coming in second place – if there’s a bronze medal to be had, I’m the one who gets it! That’s why I was so surprised when I heard the news and I’m just so delighted.’
Awards were also presented to four volunteers from the Glasgow & Lanarkshire Army Cadet Force, West Scotland Wing Air Training Corps and 2452 Squadron Air Training Corps, acknowledging and praising their commitment to providing an outstanding Cadet experience for young people across the Lowlands of Scotland.
‘It feels great to have the work that we do recognised like this,’ said Squadron Leader Colin Wardle of West Scotland Wing ATC. ‘It’s a very special acknowledgement of what we’ve achieved over the years with the Cadets.’
Following the presentation of certificates to the Reservists and CFAVs, attention turned to the newly appointed Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. Scott Connor, a Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) from Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force, will have the privilege of assisting the Lord-Lieutenant in her official engagements, and will serve as an Ambassador for his unit.
‘It’s a great honour to be appointed,’ said CSM Connor. ‘I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes from it. I’m not completely sure what to expect just now, but that’s part of what makes it so exciting.’
It is not just Reservists and CFAVs who are eligible for Certificates of Meritorious Service, however, as Defence civil and crown servants can also be nominated for their contributions. This was the case during the Glasgow ceremony for Lowland RFCA’s own June Warren, who has been a driving force within the Association’s Employer Engagement team for over twelve years, establishing and supporting a vast network of Defence and business relationships.
Brigadier Ben Wrench, Commander 51st Infantry Brigade & Headquarters Scotland, delivered a brief address as a representative of the Secretary of State for Defence, giving a special mention to the families and employers of those in the Armed Forces community and thanking them for the unwavering support on which so many serving personnel depend.
To underline the importance of a strong working rapport between the Defence and business sectors, employers of award recipients were also invited to attend the ceremony. Additionally, the event concluded with the handing over of a newly signed Armed Forces Covenant from FirstPoint USA and an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for Prime Secure.
