Melton air cadet ‘beyond honoured’ to win special RAF role

Cadet Cpl Jessica Brown, from 1279 Melton Mowbray Squadron, is the new A4 Force Elements Commander’s Cadet at RAF Wittering, near Stamford.

The position will give Jessica a unique insight into the RAF, and the work of the base and the A4 Force Elements, the specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support RAF operations in the UK and overseas.

Jessica, who is interested in becoming an RAF Police dog-handler or a medic, was appointed by Group Captain Jo Lincoln, the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commander of the A4 Force Elements.

She said: “I genuinely couldn’t believe it.

“I feel beyond honoured to think that Group Captain Lincoln, Warrant Officer Little and Warrant Officer Greening all saw something special in me to carry out such a prestigious role and I sure hope that I will go above and beyond their expectations.”

At the same time, Cadet Cpl Evie Griffen, from 2071 Stamford Squadron, will take up her new role as the Station Commander’s Cadet.

Group Captain Lincoln said: “It was a tough competition.

“My executive Warrant Officers both scrutinised the large volume of applications we received, and many were of a very high standard, but the applications from Cadet Cpl Brown and Cadet Cpl Griffen really stood out.”

Evie, who is considering a career in the RAF Police or as a photographer said: “When Group Captain Lincoln told me I had achieved the role I was speechless and ecstatic at the same time as I thought ‘how can I have got the role, I’m only a Corporal after all?’”

In addition to their cadet duties, Evie and Jess are expected to participate fully in their education and maintain high schoolwork standards.

Group Captain Lincoln said: “The way Evie and Jess reacted to the news that they had been successful told me straight away that we had chosen the right cadets.

“I am delighted to welcome them to the RAF Wittering and A4 Force Elements’ family and can’t wait to meet them in person, once it is safe to do so.”

And she added: “Cadet Cpls Brown and Griffen will have this opportunity only once, so it’s really important that, together, we make the most of the next 12 months.

“It’s going to be a brilliant journey for them and hopefully full of experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.”