On Thursday, 17th October, CWO Samuel Jones from 2507 (Bicester) Squadron attended the Oxfordshire, Lord Lieutenants awards at Pembroke College to be presented his award. Having been a member at the squadron for over 5 years CWO Jones was nominated by OC 2507, Flt Lt D Azizian due to the outstanding commitment and achievement he has shown during his time at the squadron.
In his citation, Flt Lt Azizian comments that CWO Jones joined 2507 (Bicester) Squadron in May 2008. With a passionate interest in aviation, and a firm desire to join the RAF or commercial airlines, his major achievements have been in the flying arena. He completed a gliding scholarship to solo standard and then gained a flying scholarship under the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme at Tayside Aviation. He was also the first cadet at Bicester to complete a newly established Squadron flying scholarship, sponsored between Oxford Aviation and the Squadron Welfare Committee.
Nevertheless, Jones is an exemplary all round cadet who has succeeded in many other ATC spheres; he has completed the Cadet Leadership Course, at Frimley Park, attained his Silver DoE Award, and is a veteran of many Camps. An inspirational young leader, with excellent communications skills, he is an outstanding role-model and mentor to his junior cadets. With Master Air Cadet and Instructor cadet qualifications, he has latterly been fulfilling the adult staff role of Squadron Training Officer. External to the Corps, he is an experienced canoeist who has won at regional and national kayak competitions.
Cadet Warrant Officer Jones is a highly presentable cadet of excellent bearing and has carried his Squadron’s Banner on many public occasions. A personable and committed cadet, he will discharge the duties of a Lord Lieutenant Cadet with conscientiousness and style.
Each year nominations are sought for the next Lord Lieutenants cadet to support Tim Stevenson OBE as he conducts his duties including:
- Formally receiving The Queen, members of the Royal Family or heads of state when they visit Oxfordshire.
- Acting on behalf of The Queen in presenting awards and honours
- Maintaining links with the armed forces and emergency services
- Supporting the civic life of the county, working with local councils and agencies, the emergency services, schools, charities and the voluntary sector.
CWO Jones will now be asked to attend events with the Lord Lieutenant and also act as an ambassador to not only his squadron and wing but also the Corps as he meets high level dignitaries and other members of youth organisations. Remember that everything you do as a cadet adds up and perhaps next year you could be nominated.
Photo courtesy of Stewart Turkington, www.stphotos.co.uk