Air Cadets and volunteer staff from across Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps gathered at RAF Benson for an evening of celebrations during the annual THRIVE awards.
The THRIVE awards were established three years ago to recognise the achievements and successes of the individuals who support the Air Cadets in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Hosted by RAF Benson and sponsored by five organisations 33 individuals received recognition on the evening for their efforts across several categories.
Attending the night to present the state awards was Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty who commented on the fantastic range of achievements made by the cadets and volunteers. Also in the audience was the newly appointed RAF Benson Station Commander, Group Captain Hamish Cormack who also commented on the high value of the Air Cadet Organisation to the RAF and his commitment to maintain close links between the station and the local Squadrons.
The following awards were presented on the night by Air Commodore McCafferty:
Thames Valley Wing Sporting Achievements
Jnr Male Sports Cadet Cpl Vazirani, 153 (Slough) Squadron
Jnr Female Sports Cadet Cpl Marsh, 1861 (Wantage) Squadron
Snr Male Sports Cadet Sgt Day, 594 (Thame) Squadron
Snr Female Sports Cadet Sgt McAleese, 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron
Commandant Air Cadets Certificate of Good Service
Cadet Warrant Officer Bint 2410 (Didcot) Squadron
Cadet Warrant Officer Gibson 2120 (Witney) Squadron
Cadet Warrant Officer Roberts 2210 (Cowley) Squadron
Cadet Warrant Officer Soar 2507 (Bicester) Squadron
Cadet Warrant Officer Stanford 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron
Cadet Flight Sergeant Martin 1996 (Earley) Squadron
Cadet Sergeant Hall 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron
Cadet Corporal Johnston-Brunn 2211 (Bracknel) Squadron
Commandant Air Cadets Commendation of Meritorious Service
Warrant Officer Pick 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron
Warrant Officer Twigg 1116 (Woodley) Squadron
Mr Williams 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron
Defence Council Letters of Appreciation
Flight Lieutenant (Ret’d) Thorrington RAF VR(T) 966 (Wallingford) Squadron
Mr French Wing Executive Committee
The main THRIVE awards below were kindly supported by a range of sponsors and for each category from all the nominations received three individuals were short listed with the winner announced by the sponsor on the night.
Inspirational Civilian Instructor
Presented by sponsor Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Senft RAFVR(T)
Winner – Civilian Instructor Soar 2507 (Bicester) Squadron
Civilian Instructor Fitt 211 (Newbury) Squadron
CI Mrzyglod 594 (Thame) Squadron
Valiant Non-Commissioned Officer
Presented by sponsor AirTanker Services Ltd.
Winner – WO Roberts 1861 (Wantage) Squadron
Flight Sergeant Fenion 1460 (Banbury) Squadron
Flight Sergeant Pedge 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron
Outstanding Junior Officer
Presented by South East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (SERFCA)
Winner – Flying Officer Preston 1315 (Kidlington)
Pilot Officer Baker 153 (Slough) Squadron Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Pye 211 (Newbury) Squadron
Unsung Hero
Presented by LSL Solicitors
Winner – Sergeant Wigley 1861 (Wantage) Squadron
Cadet Flight Sergeant Biddle 594 (Thame) Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Churnside 381 (Reading) Squadron
Endeavour Award
Presented by Group Captain Cormack, RAF Benson
Winner – Civilian Instructor Rose 966 (Wallingford) Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Azizian 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Bennett 155 (Maidenhead) Squadron
Well done to all the above and to the sponsors for their continued support to help make the THRIVE awards available.