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Squadron Leader John Parsons, Wing Staff Officer Shooting for Devon and Somerset Wing has been awarded a Commander in Chief Air Command personal Commendation for meritorious service.
The award was announced in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
Squadron Leader Parsons was awarded the commendation for his enthusiasm, dedication and commitment in his role as Wing Shooting Officer.
Squadron Leader Parsons Said. "It was a tremendous honour to find out I had received an award. I am very lucky to lead such a dedicated team of staff who provide excellent training and shooting opportunities for our Cadets".
25 Cadets and staff from Devon and Somerset Wing Air Training Corps travelled to the town of Ypres in Belgium to take part in the daily act of remembrance; the last post ceremony at the Menin gate, and lay a wreath of remembrance.
The Menin gate, Ypres was built by the British Government shortly after the First World War to commemorate the lives of the Commonwealth soldiers who died liberating that part of Belgium. It is inscribed with the names of nearly 54,000 soldiers, some as young as 15 whose bodies are still missing and have no known grave. Such was the feeling of gratitude of the Belgium people; a service of remembrance has been carried out there almost every night at precisely 8pm since 1928.
During their five day stay the group was kindly looked after by the Belgian Army and took time to visit other local sites of interest including Essex Farm cemetery - where the poem ‘On Flanders Fields’ was written, Tyne Cot commonwealth military cemetery - the largest of it’s kind in the world with nearly 12,000 graves, Hill 62 - the only preserved section of original trenches still remaining from the great war, the town of Ypres itself - famous of it’s chocolates and a massive theme park where everyone got soaked to the skin on the rides!
Calvin Lovelock, Macmillan Cancer Support’s Devon fundraising manager, saluted the vital volunteer support provided by 200 (Torquay) Squadron ATC at a special presentation at the Squadron’s headquarters at Torquay Boy’s Grammar School.
A dozen cadets and officers assisted at the Herald Express Torch Trail in April and a similar number were involved in the Torbay half marathon.
Calvin said: ‘The generous support of 200 (Torquay) Squadron ATC, in taking responsibility for our stewarding needs along the greater part of the route of the Torch Trail, was a crucial part of the organisation of the event and helped ensure everyone had a really positive experience. Now they are getting involved in the Torbay Half Marathon - Macmillan is one of the official race charities; they have my sincere gratitude for their positive, ‘can do’ attitude. Both these events are vital sources of income for this charity.’
Flt. Lt. Chris Milford from 200 (Torquay) Squadron ATC said: ‘We are delighted to help in community events - they help us instil self discipline, team work and leadership qualities in our cadets.
The Annual Inspection of 1955 (Wells) Sqn Air Cadets took place on Thursday 21st June, in attendance were Cllr David Anderson (Mayor) and Bobby, Wing Commander Brian Wills-Pope RAF VR(T) MBE.
The evening featured drill, rifle, D of E, flight simulator, adventure training Canada trip and Ten Tours stands and exhibitions.
Many photos of the evening can be found here
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