Congratulations to two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from Central and East Region who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List with Air Officer Commanding 22 Group Commendations.
Sqn Ldr James King: Squadron Leader King has delivered an exceptional transformation of adventure training across Essex Wing, turning a previously underperforming programme into a thriving, high-impact offer for cadets and volunteers. Balancing multiple roles alongside a full-time job and family commitments, he has enabled over 550 cadets to participate in paddlesport, overseen hundreds of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, and revitalised activities such as mountain biking while developing a highly skilled and qualified instructor team. By embedding professional development and integrating training opportunities, he has created lasting capability, strengthened resilience, and broadened access to nationally recognised qualifications. His vision, leadership, and sustained commitment have not only expanded opportunity at scale but set a benchmark for excellence across the Wing and beyond.
Fg Off Bethany Lee: Flying Officer Lee has delivered a remarkable transformation of road marching within Essex Wing, revitalising an activity that had been absent for over 15 years and rapidly establishing it as a thriving, sustainable programme. Balancing multiple demanding roles alongside a full-time job, she has created 485 cadet participation opportunities through 18 events, overseen the award of over 140 badges in a single year, and developed 14 qualified Road Marching Team Leaders, empowering units to deliver training independently. From leading cadets at national events to enabling Essex Wing’s first Nijmegen team in over a decade, her vision, drive, and collaborative leadership have redefined opportunity for cadets and volunteers alike, setting a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrating the exceptional impact of dedicated volunteer service.
Group Captain Dave Boreham, Regional Commandant for Central and East Region said; “Congratulations to James and Beth on this fantastic achievement. We are immensely proud to have them as volunteers in the region and are grateful for their service and dedication in delivering the cadet experience to our young people and developing their fellow volunteers”.
