Ten Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the Lowlands of Scotland have received a special recognition from the young people within their units, acknowledging and thanking them for everything they do to provide the best Cadet experience possible.
Since 2020, Lowland RFCA has facilitated the Cadet Adult Recognition Awards (CARAs) has with a view to acknowledging the tireless dedication of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who give their time and talents to support 12-18 year olds in their community, whether by helping them develop new skills, prepare for adult life or make friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.
The winners of this year’s CARAs are:
- Sea Cadets East – Petty Officer Victoria Lonie, Edinburgh Trinity Sea Cadets
‘I love the fact that we get a lot of opportunities as adult volunteers in terms of personal and professional growth, but also that we get the chance to help younger generations make decisions that will give them a brighter future.’
- Sea Cadets West – Petty Officer Justin McGhee, Ardossan & Largs Sea Cadets
‘When I found out that I’d won the award, it was certainly overwhelming and I didn’t really know what to say. Knowing that the Cadets have put me forward for it was a real eye-opener as it shows that all the work we do, whether it’s behind the scenes or in the foreground, makes a real difference to them.’
- Air Cadets East – Civilian Instructor John Davies, 869 penicuik Squadron RAF Air Cadets
‘It was a big surprise to receive this award, I didn’t ever expect such a thing, and it shows that what I’m doing is right, that I’m engaging with the Cadets and they’re taking something of value from it.’
- Air Cadets West – Civilian Instructor Aidan Warren, 49F Greenock Squadron RAF Air Cadets
‘I’m over the moon that I’ve won this award, and to know that I’ve helped some of the young people in my unit get to where they want to be in life is the best feeling in the world.’
- Glasgow & Lanarkshire – Staff Sergeant Instructor Fraser Martin, 3 Troop Airdrie Royal Engineers
‘If anyone is considering becoming a CFAV, I would say “Do it”. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, and as much as it benefits you personally, the added benefits you get of watching the Cadets come in, progress and get opportunities that they just wouldn’t get anywhere else, it’s just fantastic.’
- Glasgow & Lanarkshire Runner Up – Sergeant Instructor Michael McKeown, 3 Platoon RSB Newmains
‘It means a lot to see how much the Cadets appreciate what we do for them, and it means a lot to us as volunteers as well being able to see them grow and learn as people.’
- West Lowland – Company Sergeant Major Frank Kennedy, Dalmellington Detachment
‘I’m just blown away and truly humbled to have been picked for this award by the Cadets. I’ve been a volunteer with the Army Cadets now for just under nine years, and I see it as my way of giving back because as a young lad, I was going down the wrong path and the Army Cadet Force really helped me to get back on track.’
- West Lowland Runner Up – Sergeant Instructor Kane Marshall, Lockerbie and Annan Detachment
‘One of the best things about being a CFAV for me is seeing all these shy kids coming in who don’t want to talk to or even look at anyone, and two years down the line they’re brimming with confidence.’
- Lothian & Borders – Staff Sergeant Kyle Hirvonen, 14 Troop Musselburgh
‘Getting this award from the Cadets in my unit really means the world to me. I can’t wait to get back once my paternity leave is up and keep contributing to the Army Cadets in any way I can.’
- Lothian & Borders Runner Up – Lieutenant Louise McCauley, 28 Platoon Broxburn
‘I think having your Cadets nominate you for an award like this tells you that you’re doing something right as a CFAV and you’re helping to make a difference.’
All nominations for the CARAs are submitted by Cadet members of the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps. Now in its sixth year, the CARAs 2025 once again received a high level of heartfelt nominations, highlighting the immense admiration the Cadets have for their adult instructors.
Lowland RFCA hosted this year’s online award ceremony on its YouTube channel on Friday 5 December. The main presentation was hosted at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by National Army Cadet Ambassador, Army veteran and mental health activist Sally Orange MBE.
‘Cadet Force Adult Volunteers dedicate their precious time and energy week in and week out for the development of Cadets nationwide,’ Sally remarked, not just about the CARAs winners but also about CFAVs working tirelessly throughout the UK. ‘Without them, the Air, Army and Sea Cadets simply could not continue to provide the excellent standards of support to young people that they are known for.’
As well as receiving a prestigious CARAs certificate, each winner was also presented with a gift voucher sponsored by a local business. This gives Lowland organisations an opportunity to show support for the hard-working adult volunteers, some of whom are members of their own workforces. This year’s sponsors were:
- ACS Clothing Ltd
- Focus Energy Services Ltd
- Zenith Coins
- Greenleaf House
- Ready Construction Ltd
- A&S Scaffolding Ltd
- Anderson Black Executive Travel
- Craft Prospect Ltd
- Terra Mechanica Maris Ltd
- Blairs Windows & Doors Ltd
- Royal British Legion Scotland (Overall CARAs event sponsor)
As always, the CARAs judging panel was made up of two Forces-friendly employers and a member of each branch of the Cadets.
If you weren’t able to tune in to this year’s CARAs, don’t worry – you can still catch the awards ceremony over on the Lowland RFCA YouTube Channel.
