North Lanarkshire cadets have received a prestigious award from the young people they work with for their contribution to the organisation.
For the past five years, the Cadet Adult Recognition Awards (CARAs) has sought to acknowledge the dedication and selflessness of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who give their time and talents to help young people aged 12-18 develop new skills, prepare for adult life and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
Two Lanarkshire locals were awarded the highly coveted award were from Sergeant Grierson, 3 Platoon (RSB) Newmains and Sergeant Martin from 3 Troop Airdrie Royal Engineers.
On winning a CARA, Sgt Grierson said: “To win this award means absolutely everything because I never even thought I would be nominated, it means the world and I want to thank everyone for supporting me.
“Winning this award will encourage me to keep doing what I’ve been doing and help reach other Cadets.
“I’m not quite sure what I’ve done to earn this, I’ve just done whatever the Cadets have needed me to do, but this is really encouraging because whatever I’m doing must be working.”
Meanwhile, Sgt Martin, who volunteers in Airdrie, added: “Winning this award means I’m doing something right.
“I love helping Cadets, not just with the Cadet Force syllabus and all the additional qualifications, but helping them prepare for life by doing mock job interviews, helping them apply for college, getting them into apprenticeships.”
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 fifth year, the CARAs 2024 received a record number of nominations, highlighting the immense admiration the Cadets have for their adult instructors.
Each of the winning CFAVs gave a moving acceptance speech, thanking the Cadets for taking the time to nominate them and showing appreciation for all the work they do.
Kate Johnston, Lowland RFCA Head of Communications, said: “Focussed on developing and prospering the next generation, CFAVs work tirelessly to deliver fun and helpful training for Cadets.
“Year after year, these volunteers selflessly support and engage these young people. Whilst the CFAVs provide fun, challenge and adventure, they also help the Cadets to bolster their CVs and to prepare them for life after Cadets and school.
“Well done to all of this year’s winners, you clearly mean a lot to your Cadets and are making a real difference to their lives.”
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.
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