THE QUEEN’S representative for Dyfed has given the ‘highest honour’ to members of the Armed Forces community from across the county and encouraged them to use it as an ‘instrument of good.’
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards held an event at Picton Barracks in Carmarthen and was joined by more than 70 guests.
“This is a very important evening for the Lieutenancy calendar,” said Miss Edwards.
“I have the honour of being Her Majesty’s personally appointed Lord-Lieutenant in the county of Dyfed and I am well aware of the significance of this occasion.”
Six teenagers were appointed as HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for Dyfed in 2018, which will see them represent their peers and respective organisations at local and national level occasions.
The group included; 17-year-old Leading Cadet Courtney Jones from Llanelli Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), 16-year-old Able Cadet Duncan Parry from Milford Haven SCC, 17-year-old Cadet Sergeant Natasha Schoeman from Burry Port Army Cadet Force (ACF), Cadet Warrant Officer Daniel Ramsbottom and Cadet Flight Sergeant Carwyn Lloyd-Jones from No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, as well Cadet Warrant Officer 2nd Class Oliver Trigg fom Llandovery College Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
Miss Edwards said: “To be appointed a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet is among the highest honours a Cadet can receive. Whether on parade with me for Royal visits, Church services or accompanying me to a hospital or a care home, you will be ambassadors not just for your organisation or indeed the Lieutenancy but, may I say, for all of the young people in your region.
“It is a role to relish, be proud of and to use for an instrument of good. I look forward to being supported and assisted by you at every opportunity. As Her Majesty The Queen herself has said, with enough training, you can do anything.”
They were selected for their outstanding extra-curricular achievements and will now accompany HM Lord-Lieutenant at official engagements. It will include playing an active role at ceremonial events, such as Royal visits and Remembrance services held in Dyfed.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed’s Cadets for 2017 received a badge and certificate for their year of service. The group included; Leading Cadet Huw Jenkins from Fishguard SCC, Mr Niall Hooper formerly of Milford Haven SCC, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Sion Jones from Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Warrant Officer Holly Powell from Llandovery College CCF and Cadet Warrant Officers Abigail Beckett and Daniel Clements from No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.
There are more than 4,400 Cadets in Wales who come from the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets. There are 1,200 youth volunteers who provide opportunities for Cadets to grow through life changing experiences, gain new skills and achieve qualifications as they enjoy fun with friends.
The group included; Captain Christopher Burge from Fishguard SCC, Squadron Leader Mark Rosser and Civilian Instructor Andrew Lewis from 621 (Carmarthen) Squadron RAF Air Cadets.
The event was organised by RFCA for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years. RFCA for Wales is the enabling voice for Reserves and Cadets in Wales.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit was awarded to Major Wynne Jones MBE. The Llanelli Reservist joined the Army in 1983 and retires later this month. During this time, he has served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Reservists as vital and valued members of the Defence family. They enhance their everyday lives through adventurous and challenging experiences, learning transferable skills useful for their civilian lives and employment.
To learn more about opportunities available, visit: www.Wales-RFCA.org.
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