A TEENAGER from Cilgerran has been appointed as the Lord- Lieutenant of Dyfed’s Cadet at an awards ceremony in Carmarthen.
Cadet Sergeant Kieran Gay was given a distinctive sash with the badge of his appointment for 2016, which will last for one year, in front of 100 people at the Ivy Bush Hotel.
The 17-year-old was selected for the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
The role includes attendance with Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed who acts as the Queen’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
The ceremony was one of the last public engagements conducted by The Hon Robin Lewis OBE CStJ, who will step down on his 75th birthday next week. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant Ms Sara Edwards will become the new Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed.
Kieran joined the Cardigan Detachment of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF nearly four years ago and in the meantime, has overcome a number of challenges, including a period of illness, to grow in to an experienced senior Cadet.
He said: “I remember getting a phone call one weekend and it was quite funny because when I was told, I didn’t believe it. It’s a big opportunity and I couldn’t refuse it. I can do a lot of things as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet and meet a lot of people now.
“I’d tell anyone thinking of joining to grasp any opportunity that’s given to them – don’t be shy about anything. When I started off, I was quite shy but I’ve benefitted more when I’ve got involved more and now I’ve received this appointment.”
Kieran has been a regular competitor in the physically and mentally challenging annual Cadet Cambrian Patrol Exercise. However, the Greenhill School pupil is just as able to follow instruction as he is to deliver it. After completing the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre and the UK National Cadet Leadership Course, Kieran is now a regular mentor to junior Cadets with his detachment.
He said: “I’ve done a lot of courses and it’s helped me become a better leader myself, I’m confident teaching people and leading others now. I’m looking forward to doing different parades and going to different locations because I’ll gain more experience and meet new people.”
The three other Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets appointed for 2016 are Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Jessica Powell from Llandovery Combined Cadet Force, Cadet Warrant Officer David Folder from 1284 (Tenby) Squadron and Leading Cadet Charlie Mustoe from TS Skirmisher in Fishguard.
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