Eight Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) have received a highly prestigious award from the Lord-Lieutenants for Ayrshire & Arran and Dumfries for their outstanding service.
The ceremony, hosted at the A’ The Airts Community Art Centre in Sanquhar on Monday 7 April, saw four of the eight worthy recipients receive their Certificates of Meritorious Service in person from the Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, and the Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Mrs Fiona Armstrong, Lady MacGregor.
The annual Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service Awards for Reservists, CFAVs and Defence civil servants are recognised as exceptional honours throughout the Armed Forces and Cadet communities.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants are the representatives of the Crown for each county in the United Kingdom.
Mrs Fiona Armstrong said of the award recipients from the Dumfries Lieutenancy: ‘We are very lucky to have such wonderful Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in our area; they are tireless in supporting our young people. It is volunteering at its best in supporting Cadets and passing on valuable life skills. Well done the team!’
Sheriff Iona McDonald was also keen to praise the CFAVs receiving awards from Ayrshire & Arran, saying: ‘These events are of great importance: they recognise the hard work and dedication of the individuals receiving the Certificate of Meritorious Service.
‘These incredible individuals give their time and energy to help others and themselves achieve their full potential.
‘I am always very impressed and humbled by the commitment shown by the recipients of these awards. They are shining examples of what a person can achieve, individually and collectively. They are fantastic role models for the Cadets who benefit from the positive ideals and skills which the adult volunteers share with them.’
During the event the CFAVs, all from West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, were presented with certificates by the two Lord-Lieutenants.
‘It’s an honour to be recognised for my years of service,’ said Johanne Murphy, an Admin Officer with West Lowland Battalion based in Ayrshire. ‘My time with West Lowland has primarily been spent providing support for the Battalion as a whole, not just the Ayrshire area. I took a step back to supporting just CFAVs when my little one was born five years ago, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to supporting both CFAVs and Cadets some time in the future.
‘The greatest feeling for me is seeing those quiet, reserved young Cadets grow and flourish into confident adults who are prepared to take on any challenge that comes their way.
‘It truly is amazing to see how they progress with their Cadet careers. Many become volunteers themselves further down the line, and to see them progress to Detachment Commanders or Company Training Officers, it gives you a huge sense of pride knowing you played a small part in getting them there.’
Sergeant Major Instructor Carly Moffat of the Dumfries Lieutenancy was equally thrilled to be recognised for her efforts, commenting: ‘I’ve been involved with the Cadet Forces for 23 years now, having started as a Cadet when I was twelve and came back as an adult volunteer after I aged out.
‘I always remember the time and effort the adult volunteers put into supporting me when I was a Cadet so for me, becoming a volunteer has allowed me to give some of that back and give the same opportunities to the next generations, and that means the world to me.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said of this year’s winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran.
‘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.’
