2019 has taken off to a flying start with two team members of 1359 (Beeston) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, taking their Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty and joining the Royal Air Force.
Former Cadet Flight Sergeant Asha Harrison, aged 18, became a member of 1359 Squadron in 2015 quickly making a mark as an excellent cadet. Volunteering for week long annual camp commitments at RAF stations and MOD training centres he quickly gained promotion through the cadet Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) structure.
Recently completing his basic training at RAF Halton Aircraftsman Harrison has now begun his trade training, specialising in IT. Warrant Officer (RAFAC) Rob Phillips said “From day one of his joining the unit, Asha demonstrated his work ethic and commitment to the Corps, working hard and becoming very popular with his peers and trusted by the training staff. It is with great pride we say good bye to him and we know that our loss is certainly the RAF’s gain. He will without doubt be a great serviceman”.
Twenty four year old Civilian Instructor Martin Carre has also joined the colours and is working towards becoming an Aircraft Mechanic. Martin originally joined the Air Training Corps in 2007, rising to the rank of Cadet Sergeant. Always displaying an interest in technical lessons, shooting and field craft he attended as many camps as possible to build upon his experience, natural progression taking him on to join the RAF. Officer Commanding 1359 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Phil Bannister (RAFAC) said: “As with Asha Harrison we are proud that another member of the squadron has continued to serve the country progressing from cadet to airman. I am sure that Martin will continue to work as hard as an airman as he did as a member of the unit and do us proud in the service.”