Flight Lieutenant RAFVR(T) Tim Hargraves has been awarded the Cadet Forces Medal.
Tim who volunteers his time with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets as the commanding officer at 1461 (Wigston) Squadron has now clocked up over 12 years of service. He commissioned in to the training branch of the Royal Air Force Reserves in 2003 and has served in a variety of roles at different squadrons up until he was offered command back in 2010.
Flight Lieutenant Hargraves is nothing but dedicated to the organisation and his troops at the unit. Tim makes a habit of leading from the front whenever he can and has the upmost respect for his colleagues and cadets. Tim is an incredibly popular character around the Wing and has turned Wigston around since he took command, with the help of his staff team. Tim has been and will continue to be an inspirational leader for years to come. Through his time and dedication, he has impacted positively on so many young peoples lives by implementing the Air Training Corps aims at a local level.
Tim who balances not only his commitment to the Air Cadets with his civilian role as a Paramedic manager, but with a young family too said ‘There are times that you wonder what you do it for, but the achievements and role satisfaction you get from being a cadet forces adult volunteer outweigh those thoughts, that said I couldn’t do it without the family support!
Tim said ‘ I have been able to learn so much as a volunteer with the Air Cadets. Through training at RAF Cranwell I have built on leadership skills I learnt as a cadet. I have also qualified in expedition leading, range management and more recently became a fieldcraft exercise conducting officer. By using these qualifications we are able to deliver a high quality experience to our cadets, something that can be measured in their own successes here at 1461.
Cadet Warrant Officer Molly Henson said “The Boss is great! Sometimes I have to take a step back and remember what else goes on in his life with work and family commitments and when I do, it makes me realise that he really is fantastic at what he does. He has personally helped me to be the best I possibly can be within cadets and I know that he has done exactly the same for others too. He listens, advises, leads and most importantly, cares about what he does. Those 4 qualities mean that he really is the best man for the job at Wigston. Well done Sir from all of the cadets at Wigston- this medal is fully deserved. Here’s to the next 12 years…… :D”
