Page 11 - Cadet Review Spring 2021

and expressions of interest to facilitate additional locations.
Corporal Oliver O’Brien
Cpl O’Brien works hard to improve himself and strives not only to be the best he can, but also to be part of the best. He pushes himself and looks deeply at what went wrong to ensure he improves on it. He has
completed his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is enrolled on Silver; sadly, that cannot progress at the moment. He attends all major parades and ensures at each one he looks and represents his unit to the highest standard, and is a credit to all that the Sea Cadets aim to be. Above all else he represents the Commando values at a personal level.
Staff Sergeant Archie Higgins
Staff Sergeant Higgins has become a role model with his detachment, his Company and within the County. He has excelled especially in the First Aid environment becoming one of the first cadet instructors to
help the adult First Aid training team. His skill for creating different, realistic looking injuries is beyond imagination; which he executes professionally
and with ease. Staff Sergeant Higgins took it upon himself to pull together a First Aid team from all of the detachments within his company, liaising with both cadets and the adult staff in order to achieve this and proving his good standard of communication skills and organisational ability.
Within his detachment Staff Sergeant Higgins holds the position of Senior Cadet, where he helps mentor and train the junior cadets at all Star levels. He recently took on the challenge of helping the County RSMI to increase the number of cadets who have access to the Cadet Portal and has exceeded expectations in this too.
Flight Sergeant
James Dacres
Cadet Flight Sergeant Dacres has gone from somewhat of a shy and reserved cadet to one of the best senior cadets, being smart in appearance, professional and
courteous. He works tirelessly on his cadet duties on and off squadron and works hard alongside the Squadron Media Officer to keep the social media accounts active and fresh.
He always puts 100% into the squadron and very rarely misses a night other than the occasional
work commitment. In addition, his charity work includes Annual RAFA collections for Wings Appeal, RBL Collections, military parades such as Battle of Britain, Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Day and RAF 100. He also assisted with a charity static bike, for the Children’s Ward of Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
He pushes himself and looks deeply at what went wrong to ensure he improves on it
WEST YORKSHIRE
CPO Christopher Linley
Chief Petty Officer Christopher Linley is the Commanding Officer of Dewsbury sea cadets and has seen the unit go through some very good and very bad times but he has stuck with the unit through everything
for the benefit of the cadets and its young adult volunteers.
He is also a team member of the District team and helps maintain the Sailing Hub which is accom- modated at Beaver Sailing Club; being dedicated and passionate when it comes to getting the cadets and staff on the water, whether that be in Sailing, Rowing or Powerboating. He gives such a lot of his time to making sure the boats are well maintained and serviceable for the use of everyone, and has encouraged other units from neighbouring Districts to come and use the facilities at Beaver.
Captain Darren Brookes
Captain Darren Brookes joined the Army Cadet Force July 2011 and in March 2013, owing to his profes- sionalism and commitment, he was appointed Detachment Commander. In this appointment he excelled at
inspiring young people to achieve their potential regardless of challenge. Very early, his aptitude for command was identified and he was commissioned as 2Lt in June 2014.
At Batley, 2Lt Brookes put in place a rigorous programme aimed at delivering high quality training such that every cadet under his command was able to take full advantage of opportunities associated with the "Cadet Experience". As a result, cadet membership soared and Batley Detachment became a Beacon of Best Practice. As Detachment Commander, 2Lt Brookes proved himself to be an inspirational mentor of young people and in this he has been selfless.
In February 2016, he was appointed to Company HQ as Staff Officer (Administration). Promotion
to Lieutenant followed in June of that year and promotion to Captain took place in June 2018.
Through his zeal and application, Captain Brookes ensures the Company administration function operates at maximum efficiency and in this he is extremely effective. He is also the driving force behind Company fundraising activities and was instrumental in raising several thousands of pounds in 2019 to ensure all cadets in the Company were able to participate in cadet activities.
Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell
Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell has had a long and distinguished career with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets going right back to September 1966 when he joined 714 (Selhurst
Grammar School) in Surrey, reaching the rank of
Through
his zeal and application, Captain Brookes ensures the Company administration function operates at maximum efficiency
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