For over 3 years I have been a member of the ATC now, 1 year of which I’ve been an NCO. I joined 114 (Ruislip & Northwood Sqn.) shortly after my 13th birthday, unaware of just how much I’d get to do and see with the Air Cadet Organisation! Since then I have been on numerous camps, including a 17-day trip to Quantico US Marine Corps base outside of Washington, USA in 2004. I’ve flown many times with the cadets, in aircraft ranging from Grob Tutors to Chinooks and Pumas, and am trained on both the No. 8 and L98 rifles, gaining my Corps Marksman qualification last year. The cadets has changed my life and given me strong relationships, with the majority of my friends today having been met as a result of my cadet career.
Outside of cadets I enjoy karate and playing guitar. I’ve been training in Renshinkai-style karate for almost 7 years and obtained my black belt 2 years ago, whereas I have been self-studying guitar for nearly 3 years. I enjoy the physical fitness and self-discipline karate provides me with - aspects which I’m sure will come in useful during the expedition!
One of the most major things I think that the ATC is all about is having the opportunity to do what others cannot. How many other 16-20 year olds get the opportunity to spend 2 weeks in Ghana? I believe that this expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that is what I look forward to most.
