Wing Commander Chris Fisher has been named as a recipient of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honours List.
In addition to his busy role as Officer Commanding Thames Valley Wing he is also a Staff Pilot with 612 Volunteer Gliding Squadron and Chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Reserve Forces and Cadet Association.
On learning the news Wing Commander Fisher was taken aback as state awards are so rare in the Cadet Forces “It was a real surprise and is recognition of the team effort in Thames Valley Wing”.
Wing Commander Chris Fisher joined the Corps in 1969 as a Cadet with 381 (Reading) Squadron. He served as a Cadet until 1979, attaining the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer and undertook most Squadron and Wing Activities.
In 1980 after a short period as a Civilian Instructor, he was commissioned in the RAFVR(T) with 381 Squadron, he later moved to 1116 (Woodley) Squadron. He commanded the Squadron until 1985 when he joined Wing Staff.
As a Wing Staff Officer he undertook all of the Wing Staff Officer duties at some stage. He was appointed to command Thames Valley Wing in July 2003. In addition, he is also a supernumerary Gliding Instructor on Vigilant aircraft at 612 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon and Chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Reserve Force and Cadet Association.
During his time in Command of the Thames Valley Wing, he has concentrated on improving support for his 26 Squadrons throughout Oxfordshire and Berkshire including the formation of a training team to provide weekend training for cadets and professional development for staff. He has also worked tirelessly to improve Squadron accommodation and has forged closer ties with the other Cadet Forces and South East RFCA.