RECENTLY Air Cadets of Staff of 372 (Barry) Squadron attended the No 1 Welsh Wing presentation evening at Pontypridd TA barracks.

The evening was designed to celebrate the achievements and successes of the senior cadets and officers from all Air Cadet Squadrons in South Wales. Many friends and relatives of the officers and cadets were also in attendance in what turned out to be a very enjoyable evening.

The evening started with a welcome speech from, Squadron Leader Bob Timothy, who outlined the successes of the 26 Air Cadet Squadrons making up No1 Welsh Wing.

Flight Sergeant Rhys Thomas, Sergeant Georgina Poulakis and Sergeant Sean Hodges all received commendations by Wing Commander Ken Pudney for their hard work and dedication.

Rhys Thomas was praised for his loyal service, strong leadership, training new cadets and encouraging all cadets to try new activities outside of their comfort zone. Sergeant Georgina Poulakis was recognised for her hard work to support numerous charities in her community and also taking first aid to a new level; training the new Air Cadets to successfully complete their Youth First Aid award. Sean Hodges was recognised for his support, encouragement and guidance to the younger cadets of the squadron passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience in particular with field craft training as well as tireless support for military charities.

Corporal Jon Spragg was recognised for achieving his Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold award in what has been an action packed last 12 months. Jon has also successfully become a Duke of Edinburgh Youth Leader, mentoring and supporting the younger air cadets to achieve their own DofE awards and completed his Assistant Basic Expedition Leaders award.

Flying Officer Caroline Louise Bradley was awarded the “Flight Lieutenant John Greenow” award for her tireless hard work and dedication to support sport for all Air Cadets in South Wales. Caroline is the secretary for the No 1 Welsh Wing Sports Council which organises a variety of sports for over 650 Air Cadets in South Wales with local and national sports competition. Flight Lieutenant Jason Horton was also presented with a certificate for 15 years service for supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Flight Lieutenant Jason Horton said: “I was proud of the cadets well deserved achievements tonight. These awards are richly deserved in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the Air Cadets in Barry.”

Rhys, Georgina, Sean and Jon are now involved with the action packed training programme which the Air Cadets experience throughout the year including: flying, gliding, shooting, team building exercises, sport, adventurous training, camps, overseas visits and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

If you have a spirit for adventure, 372 (Barry) Squadron has vacancies for boys and girls between 13-18 years old. The Squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9.30pm, behind Adams Funeral Parlour or your can phone the Squadron on 01446 747734 or email oc.372@aircadets.org or visit www.372squadron.org for more information about joining the Squadron.