Senior RAF officer thrills Melton air cadets with guest appearance

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Richard Maddison OBE got an insight into the activities members of the 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron get involved in.

He gave the cadets an overview of his career as an RAF officer and helicopter pilot before taking part in a quick-fire question and answer session with the youngsters.

A wide range of questions were explored, including the AOC’s favourite postings in the RAF, his advice for those going into the service, where he sees the air force going over the coming years and even which flavour Starburst sweets he enjoys.

AVM Maddison, who was joined at the virtual meeting by Wing Commander Andy Pass RAFAC, Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing, also judged a ‘Taskmaster’ contest where members were set a number of RAF and air cadet-themed challenges.

Fl Lt Dan McGlynn RAFAC, the squadron’s Officer Commanding, said: “It was a real honour to host the AOC for the evening.

“He was fully involved in the activity and was an excellent Taskmaster throughout the night.

“The cadets really appreciated his feedback and involvement during the tasks.

“His answers during the Q&A session were very insightful and I know helped to inspire the cadets, giving them an insight into what the AOC does.

“I’m really proud that we’ve been involved in this event and truly proud to be able to show the AOC the incredible young people and volunteers that help to make this organisation.”

In the ‘Taskmaster’ section of the meeting, cadets were put through their paces finding the best aviation object in their house, creating the tallest tower in RAF colours, recreating the corps crest using items from around their homes plus attempting to guess and draw the AOC’s favourite RAF aircraft.

The competition was closely contested and ended up with the difference of just one point between first, second and third place.

AVM Maddison is the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 22 Group RAF, which is the part of the RAF that the air cadets comes under.