OC’s
Foreword
Time spent as an air cadet, is time well spent.
When potential new cadets visit the squadron
for the first time, I usually tell them that
there are three things they should get from
being an air cadet: enjoyment, achievement
and pride. Enjoyment can be found in all of
the activities we do. It may be as a result of
doing something new, like taking the controls
of a glider for the first time, equally it can be
found when attending an organised trip or
camp. It is something that you can reflect on
in later life that makes you smile.
Achievement is often measured by the
award of certificates, or the number of
badges sewn onto a brassard or squadron tshirt. Personal achievement can also be seen
in other ways, perhaps by overcoming a fear
or phobia, that initial lean out over a cliff
edge before abseiling down, or talking to a
large group of strangers when you would
rather hide away quietly in a corner.
Pride is what all of us should feel when
we wear our uniform and tell those around
us what we did at the weekend.
It is probably fair to say that as a
squadron we have taken advantage of many
of the opportunities that have presented
themselves to us over the last year. Joint
squadron activities such as the Great Escape
and Sennybridge proved popular despite the
cold. The squadron band has come on leaps
and bounds in the last few months proving
its worth recently when it lead the RAF
through the streets of Albrighton for their
Approbation Parade. We have a fantastic new
trailer following a very successful bag pack in
Sainsbury’s. Attendance at shooting and
sporting events has increased with cadets
excelling at track, field and swimming
events. There is a steady increase in the
number of cadets sporting the youth first aid
badge on their brassards, and both UK and
2497cosfordsquadron.moonfruit.com
overseas camps have been eagerly attended
and enjoyed.
Yet as I sit back and reflect on what we
as a squadron have done over the past year
it becomes apparent that other important
values have come to the forefront of
squadron life, these being family, friendship
and team spirit. We have a busy year ahead
of us, last year we came away from Wing
Training Day with two very respectable
trophies, this year our goal is to come away
with even more. I know as a squadron we
will embrace this challenge - after all, the
Latin motto under our crest when translated
into English reads “I strive to be best”. As a
squadron we have the ability to fill twice over
the fixtures organised by wing. Team spirit is
about having a go, doing something new,
stepping out of our comfort zone and being
part of the team irrespective of whether you
have a natural talent for something or not.
Even if we were to come last in an activity or
competition (which I know is highly unlikely)
the fact that we were there supporting each
other is itself cause to celebrate.
Over the next few months many
opportunities will present themselves, keep
an eye on the notice board and listen out for
the announcements on final parade. If you
embrace whole heartedly what is on offer,
you will make the time that you spend with
your squadron and your friends’ quality time.
After all time spent as an air cadet, is time
well spent.
Flight Lieutenant G. Vince
Officer Commanding of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron
Regular parade nights will recommence
Wednesday 8th January 2014, after the
Christmas break.
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