Commandant RAF Air Cadets
@ComdtAC
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Air Cdre Tony Keeling, Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets, including the Air Training Corps, Combined Cadet Force (RAF) & No 2 Flying Training School #NextGenRAF
HQ RAFAC - RAF Cranwell
Joined December 2011
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Brilliant news. Happy Birthday and many congratulations to The Duke of Edinburgh from the
@aircadets
, especially our many participants of the superb
@DofE
Awards
🎉 Wishing the new Duke of Edinburgh a very Happy Birthday today!
The King has conferred the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon his brother, Prince Edward, on his 59th birthday.
🔗
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Well it’s official! Air Cdre Tony Keeling will be the next Comdt of the RAF Air Cadets. Congratulations on getting the best job in the RAF - I know all members of
@aircadets
stand ready to welcome you to the role in Sep. 👍
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I’m sure everyone in the
@aircadets
will join me in sending sincere condolences to the family of Cadet Nathaniel Shani, who yesterday lost his life in tragic circumstance.
We will provide the very best support we can to his family and the volunteers & cadets at his ATC Squadron
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So very sorry to hear that we lost a young cadet to suicide this BH weekend. Devastating for all who knew and loved him. Please, Cadets and staff, speak up if you are feeling down; ask for help, it’s OK to not be OK. Help is at hand - just reach out.
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You know, for all the things we still need to fix in our organisation, when thousands of young cadets turn out in the bitter cold to show their respects to the Fallen, we must be doing something right. Could not be prouder of cadets & staff. Thank you.
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Being in lockdown doesn’t mean standards have to drop - dressing for dinner is a must on your birthday!
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It was simply wonderful to introduce our Royal Patron to these 3
@aircadets
who call themselves the Flying Fish - the epitome of our motto ‘venture adventure’ and inspired by our Ambassador
@RAF_Emma
they are training to row the Atlantic in 2025
🇬🇧 14 July: The Princess of Wales (Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets) jokes with Cadets in the Techno Zone.
✈️
📷 Chris Jackson
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…and here’s CWO Elliott enjoying his big moment - how utterly fabulous for him, his family and friends, and the
@aircadets
!
Image courtesy of
@thetimes
CWO Elliott Tyson-Lee is practicing at
@wabbey
ahead of being the bearer of the Flag of the United Kingdom for Their Majesties’
@RoyalFamily
#Coronation
Service tomorrow. We are hugely proud of you Elliott! He was on
@BBCBreakfast
with
@TVNaga01
at 8.26am
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See attached video - just felt this was worth coming back to get my uniform for..... x
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Sad news today: Charlie the tri-paw has gone to Doggy Heaven. 😢. No need for condolence messages - just wanted my team to know as so many cadets met and loved him at various cadet events. He was a star!
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Although face to face cadet activity has been suspended temporarily, remember we are all part of one air cadet family. Look after each other, keep in touch and consider how you can keep connected via social media. We will be back!!!!
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We are all very proud of you!
Being mocked for the amusement of others all because she wore her uniform at school today. 💔
Chin up my beautiful girl, I am & always will be proud of you! ❤
#ProudMam
#AirCadet
#DNWAirCadets
#LestWeForget
#Respect
#NextGeneration
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It’s a very special day for Mrs K as she graduates from the
@OpenUniversity
with a BSc in Psychology. She left school with no qualifications to join the
@RoyalAirForce
as YTS age 17, so this is huge.
Very proud of my wife and her dedication to life long learning 😘
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So proud to receive my CBE from HRH The Duke of Cambridge today in front of proud Mum and my amazing children. Surreal day.
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Happy Birthday
@aircadets
, I’ve very proud to be amongst your number on this most special of celebrations and I look forward to working with our brilliant staff and volunteers to help shape your futures.
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Next week I hand over this acct to
@Tony_KeelingRAF
. I ask all folllowers to please continue following so he can reach out across
@aircadets
as I have been able to as and when he decides to start tweeting as
@ComdtAC
. There may be a gap...but worth waiting!
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Happy Cadets Day to all staff, volunteers, cadets and supporters of
@aircadets
. So proud, especially during AF week when we salute our Regular, Reservist and Cadet members as well as our Civil Servants, Contractors, Families and Veterans
#wholeforce
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Many congratulations to
@Jacob_The_Pilot
(and his very proud Dad) from everyone in the
@aircadets
for going Above & Beyond in support of the
@RAFBF
- great to meet you at the
#RAFBFAwards
✨🏆 It’s been decided –
@Jacob_The_Pilot
went Above and Beyond for the
@RAFBF
this year, and so he takes this award at the
#RAFBFAwards
.
@DXC_UKI
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So great to see these happy smiling faces ready to represent the
@RoyalAirForce
at the first
@PrideInLondon
for 3 years
@RAF_LGBT
- the
@aircadets
will be parading too
@RAFAC_Aspire
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A big thank you to the
@aircadets
of 1936 (Newton) Sqn who yesterday paid their respects to a few of thier predecessors who lost their lives in Workd War II. We are working with the
@CWGC
to shine a light on the histories hiding in graveyards across the country
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Today HQ
@aircadets
said goodbye to Chief of Staff Gp Capt John Lawlor, who retires after 42 years of service and 12 years as COS. On behalf of whole Air Cadets family, thank you John for all you have achieved and very best wishes for your next adventure
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A great message that resonates with the
@aircadets
- thank you
Tomorrow is the start of Children's Mental Health Week - an opportunity to remind ourselves not just how important our own children's mental health is but also parental wellbeing too.
We look forward to sharing more about the year's theme of expressing yourself this week.
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A huge thank you to the whole of
@aircadets
&
@HeadCCFRAF
for making me feel so welcome, and special thanks to Gp Capt John Lawlor for an outstanding stint as Interim Comdt. Much to learn and many to meet, i have a very busy few months ahead - but so excited!
NEW COMMANDANT AT THE HELM
A new Commandant today takes over command of the RAF Air Cadets.Air Cdre Tony Keeling, 50, takes the baton of command from Gp Capt John Lawlor who has been Interim Commandant since July. See our Facebook site for more details...
#aircadets
#welcome
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In this week of recognising Volunteers, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t send a huge personal THANK YOU to every volunteer with
@aircadets
- no matter what your role or how much or little you are able to contribute, it all matters and is appreciated.❤️
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So here is Charlie, 4 days after his operation, learning how to get around on 3 legs. So proud of him!!
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My feet are dying but my heart is singing! What an amazing day in London marking RAF100 with so many members of the RAF, past, present and future. Delighted to see over 600 air cadets in support. Parade and Fly Pass were incredible. A day to remember!
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Just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the RAF Air Cadets and their supporting adult volunteers for all you have done over this weekend to mark Armed Forces Day. You have been omnipresent across the UK and I could not be prouder of your contribution.
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Discharge medical today was interesting - apparently my hearing is worse than before - must have got too close to those bandies and drillies (drums and shouting DIs?) and I am 2 cm taller than what it says on my ID card - and has for 36 years?!?!
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We were honoured to have the
@aircadets
represented at this inspiring event with a couple of cadets and volunteers
Such a special evening with
@earlychildhood
here at Westminster Abbey, joining so many wonderful people who do so much to support babies and children in our communities.
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Fabulous ensembles round off a great day of cadet music.
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Today marked the handover of the key role of Warrant Officer
@aircadets
from WO Clinton Marsh to WO Donna Hall. A huge thank you to Clinton for your many years of commitment to the role and the organisation, and very best of luck to Donna for the years to come
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One of the proudest (and scariest!) moments of my RAF career - taking the role of Parade Commander for the final parade of the D&C Camp 2019. The cadets and staff nailed it. An emotional day! TY to all for allowing me the privilege.
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Calling all volunteers and supporters - thank you for everything you are doing for the RAF Air Cadets during lockdown. You make a massive difference
#whatwedo
#OneFamily
#together
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Happy 100th birthday to the Service that has given me a lifetime’s career, fantastic opportunities and friends for life. Proud to serve in the finest independent Air Force in the world - a Force for Good around the globe.
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Thank you to the
@aircadets
across the UK who will be standing smartly in their local communities this weekend in acts of Remembrance - you will do your units, your families and the
@RoyalAirForce
proud
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Just a tad excited. Heading to London to meet my family before going to the Palace tomorrow for investiture ceremony. Pinching myself!
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My thanks to all volunteers & senior cadets who are helping to deliver on-line activity. If you are unable to support due to work or family commitments, please don’t beat yourself up - you will be welcome back once this crisis is over. One air cadet family!
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A big shout out the 1,000 members of the
@aircadets
family working so hard to make
@airtattoo
2023 a success - thank you 🙏
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Woop! I am a qualified DofE Leader! Thanks to Gill and Liam for the training and to fellow students for allowing me to join you on the course. Good luck to all - let’s go beat the Scouts!!! ( Hmm - non-competitive principle applies!).🤥
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Think it's safe to tell you that my request to stay as Comdt until Aug 2020 has been approved. You are stuck with me for 5 more years! 😜
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To all members of
@aircadets
. Please join the nation in your VE Day tributes to those who gave so much to ensure our freedom. Salute with pride, join in the televised events to mark this historic day and be proud of your association with our Armed Forces.
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For those unable to witness the unveiling of the departing
@ChiefofAirStaff
official portrait. Here is a sneaky peek!
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Delighted to see so many
@aircadets
at the
@airtattoo
Gala Dinner - and so many name checks from every speaker at the dinner. Thank you all for the brilliant job you do in supporting the best Airshow in the world!
Looking forward to seeing more of you today…😎
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Just want to say a big Thank You to my 230 or so permanent staff who support over 55,000 cadets and volunteers. They are key enablers and force multipliers and we should never forget the vital contribution they make to
@aircadets
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Doesn’t this Typhoon look fabulous - what do you think
@aircadets
?
We are proud to be flying our flag on the new
@RAFTyphoonTeam
Display aircraft!
@RoyalAirForce
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Pleased to announce that I will soon become proud owner of former MWD Charlie, 10-yr old drugs dog who needs a retirement home. Already made a name for himself at ATF - sorry, Fiona!
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Thank you all our staff and volunteers who turned out today to support Air Cadets on parade - they can't parade without your supervision so thank you - so many parades on social media I can't keep up!
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This is Cadet Flt Sgt Johnston speaking to the Council of the Reserves & Cadet Forces Association at the QE II Centre, with an audience that included Politicians and Lord Lieutenants - humbled by his confidence, determination and life story.
The magic of
@aircadets
in action!!
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So, so proud of our amazing cadets and staff who pulled off an awesome parade in searing heat. Not one cadet down and every single one, drillies and bandies alike, performed their heart out. VIP guests, parents and friends all inspired and humbled by your achievement. Well done
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I was due to attend the now cancelled
#RemembranceDay
service in
@DanesChurch
, so instead I visited the local
@southkesteven
Cemetery to pay my respects to a few of those who fell in service of their country - We Will Remember Them
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So proud of the contribution our amazing air cadets and support staff (1200+) have made to RIAT18. Outstanding ambassadors in stifling heat and always polite and smiling. Thank you team!
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Day 5 after op and Charlie is chasing after his new toy (and sporting his Venture Adventure cadet t shirt!).
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A huge thank you to every member of the
@aircadets
for your superb support to Remembrance services across the UK over the last few days
Well over 8,000 Air Cadets and 2,000 volunteers & many supportive parents attended nearly 700 public acts of Remembrance; simply amazing!
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How cool is this??? Deeply humbled to be presented with this amazing gift by the D&C Camp team for joining them this year and supporting the concept of National D&C over the last 6 years. From little acorns.......
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Guys and girls, be careful out there, be vigilant, report anything suspicious & be sure that local police are aware of cadet public events.
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Cadets and staff, stay safe and be vigilant. Watch out for each other and adhere to advice coming from your chain of command.
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Cheeky picture after the VIPs has gone - no point wasting a perfectly good Dias and superb photo opportunity for the cadets who supported the event.
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Everyone in the
@aircadets
family is saddened to hear that the last Dambuster, Sqn Ldr George 'Johnny' Johnson MBE DFM has died.
The last of an inspirational generation who were the embodiment of Venture Adventure.
We salute you…
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This year we can’t stand together at Remembrance services so the
@royalbritishlegion
is encouraging people to show their support by placing a poppy in their window and standing on their doorstep for the Two Minute Silence. How will you mark the Act of Remembrance
@aircadets
?
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Heading back to Cranwell via Bristol and Cirencester for what will be my last 9 days in post. Mixed emotions but so looking forward to seeing some of my team again.
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Good Morning RAF Air Cadets! It's ATC Sunday and we are ready to launch our 75th Anniversary. Good luck to those on parade; let's impress!
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Woop woop! I am now officially on leave for a whole week! Heading to the SW and visiting family as well as a bit of house hunting, coast path trekking, beach walking and maybe the odd glass of something red 🤪
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… and here they are, Initial Officers Course 10/22 now proud holders of the Cadet Forces Commission and delivering the
@aircadets
offer to ATC & CCF(RAF) units across the UK. Many congratulations!!
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Wishing everyone in the
@aircadets
family - staff, volunteers, civilian committees, chaplains, ATC cadets, CCF(RAF) cadets & their schools, supporting families and our Ambassador
@carolvorders
- a very Happy Christmas
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This photo taken before 0900 on a Sunday. How many other teenagers would volunteer for this? 60+
@junior_leaders
in the
@aircadets
that’s who! And the CFAV who train them, of course!
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#NewProfilePic
ready for the 80th Anniverary of the
@aircadets
-
#HappyBirthday
to my favourite youth organisation!
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Saddest of duties today. Attending the funeral of Cadet Sgt Hartshorn. I will convey the heartfelt condolences of the RAF Air Cadet family.
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Good luck to all our cadets awaiting A’ level results tomorrow. Just remember, if they are not what you were hoping for, it’s genuinely not the end of the world. Another door will open and your cadet friends will support you as you decide next steps.
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Incredibly honoured to be awarded a Gold Medal by the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps in recognition of the partnership between our two great youth organisations. Very rare award and I was speechless (even rarer!) when the boss informed me. Thank you to our many friends
@HK_AirCadets
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We now have these wise words on the walls of HQ RAFAC
This is something I have always alluded to throughout my 35 years with the Corps as a CFAV. Written by a very wise WO who was sadly taken from us far too soon.
@ComdtAC
@WORAFAirCadets
@SWRegionRAFAC
@OCTVW
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Thinking of the hundreds of Air Cadets marching to victory at Nijmegen today - very proud of you all.
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If you do one thing this week
@aircadets
then look up General Chuck Yeager who today slipped the surly bonds of earth and now dances the skies on laughter-silvered wings. First human to break the sound barrier & to fly at Mach 2 - we send our respects to a true Legend of aviation
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I have 16 top air cadets heading to my home for supper tomorrow ahead of the Comdt’s Dragons’ Den on Sunday which will select the top 3 cadets of the year. Busy, inspiring and humbling weekend ahead but difficult decisions await. 🥴🤞🏼
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A brilliant day celebrating the success of every part of the
@aircadets
family - staff, volunteers, cadets, civilian committee members and units. I’m humbled by the collective talent of this brilliant organisation!
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Minding my own business last night having a meal in local pub when lady next to us started to choke. First aid trained colleagues leapt up to help. She was fine. Discovered her dad used to work for me and her daughter is a Cadet FS. Small world!
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Wishing all fathers (and all types of father figures) who support
@aircadets
a Happy Fathers’ Day. Hoping you are keeping well & sending a huge TY for your contribution. Any of you got a father in
@aircadets
& also a child who is a cadet?
#generationgame
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One amazing RAF100 birthday cake - baked by our very own Flt Lt Jade Brock RAFAC. Looked fab and tasted even better!
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Happy New Year to all the lovely people in the RAF Air Cadets. Here's hoping 2017 brings you everything you would wish for yourselves.
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Lovely moment on CE Reg final parade when a young cadet who had just won an ac recce trophy and was clearly beside himself marched up to me, beaming, and said “My Mum is going to be so proud of me!”. I hope she was!!!
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Happy 81st Birthday
@aircadets
& what a great year it will be.
@RAF_Emma
is now rowing the Atlantic, Air Experince Flying is back (thank you
@AOC22Group
), Gliding continues at scale (👏
@fts_2
), & we are growing in every corner of the UK.
Find out more at
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Big shout out to all my staff and cadets who will be out in their thousands this weekend all over the UK supporting Battle of Britain commemorations and raising funds for RAF charities. A Force for Good. 👍
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My weekly update is a little earlier this week as today is an important anniversary for me...
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Today I was delighted to be able to promote Andy Pass into the rank of Group Captain as the
@aircadets
Senior Volunteer Advisor - I look forward to seeing Andy work with our Senior Leadership Team
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On my way to London to preposition for one of the RAF’s biggest days in living memory - looking forward to Commemorating, Celebrating and Inspiring along with thousands of fellow RAF personnel and members of the RAF Family. Great year to be Comdt!
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Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mums in the RAF Air Cadets who support cadet training for other people's children. Thank you!
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This is a very rare treat, today I’m in the office working on some problems that don’t lend themselves to Teams or Skype. It’s been 70 days since i was last in here - the biggest shock will be having to wear socks and shoes all day!!
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Happy Mothers’ Day to all the wonderful mothers in the RAF Air Cadet family who support our activities - many of whom will give up their time again today to help others. You are all incredible.
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Today HQ
@aircadets
said thank you & goodbye to Gp Capt Jim Leggat who retires after 40 yrs service and 10 yrs as RC Scotland & Northern Ireland. I was honoured to present Jim his Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.
Best wishes for your next Venture Adventure
@SNIRAFACMedia
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Proud to welcome the newest Cadet Force Commission holders to the RAF Air Cadets in their new leadership roles. Congratulations to all on achieving the standard to receive a Queen’s Commission.
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Thrilled to see no less than 20 amazing members of the
@aircadets
receiving well-deserved public recognition of their contribution in the NYHL. Proud of you all and immensely grateful for your commitment.
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Have just spent 2 hours reading and re-reading the Dacre/ATC75/Thomson Sword nominations. I now feel exhausted and completely inadequate! Every single cadet has packed more into their 18-19 years than most adults of 50+ dream of. Humbled and Inspired.
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Super day spent with the talented
@aircadets
graduating on this year’s
@qaic_rafac
- big thank you to Air Marshal Phil Sturley for supporting this brilliant course!
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Lovely award today to a young cadet called Charlie (sorry, surname eludes me) who went into a freezing burn to help a frightened young lad who had come off his toboggan. Selfless, brave and a fine example of cadet core values. Well done!
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Very honoured to take the salute at Today’s St George’s day parade at the Centotaph some 37 years since first marched in Whitehall
Thank you to the 170+ volunteers and
@aircadets
of
@LondonAirCadets
who were brilliantly turned out support
@RSStGeorge
and
@wabbey
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