18/04/2026
Jack petchey Awards were awarded to
Sgt Leleu, Cdt Day, Cdt Nie, Cdt Armitage
Sgt Leleu
It is a pleasure to nominate Sgt Leleu for the Jack Petchey Achievement Award. Since I joined the squadron, he has proven himself to be an exceptional leader and an invaluable mentor.
Sgt Leleu has been instrumental in assisting cadets transition into the organisation. He is easily one of the most reliable SNCOs; no matter the situation, he is always there when you need him. His guidance is delivered with genuine kindness and patience, making even the most challenging tasks feel manageable for a new recruit.
His vast knowledge of cadet life and procedures is inspiring, and he is always willing to share that expertise to help others succeed. Sgt Leleu embodies the spirit of the award through his selfless dedication to supporting his peers and his consistently helpful attitude. He is a credit to the squadron and a role model for all cadets.
Cdt Day I would like to nominate this cadet for the Jack Petchey Award in recognition of their outstanding resilience, positivity, and commitment.
Their attitude was truly inspiring; he is supportive of their fellow cadets, always offering help and encouragement whenever it was needed. Their willingness to push through challenges while maintaining a positive outlook demonstrates strong character and leadership qualities.
This cadet’s resilience, infectious smile, and dedication to helping others embody the values we aim to promote within our cadet community, making them a very deserving recipient of this nomination. And he makes a smashing cup of tea
Cdt Nie is nominated for his exceptional leadership and technical guidance throughout the recent Rocket Project. From the outset, he stood out by taking initiative to mentor younger cadets, ensuring everyone understood the complex physics and safety protocols involved in the build.
When the team faced technical setbacks with the propulsion system, Cdt Nie remained calm and encouraged his peers to problem-solve together rather than giving up. His ability to translate difficult concepts into manageable tasks allowed the whole group to contribute meaningfully. Beyond his technical skill, it is his inclusive leadership style—always ensuring every cadet had a voice in the project—that makes him a truly worthy recipient of this award. He has not only helped us build a rocket but has built the confidence of everyone on the team. He has also been instrumental in seeking sponsorship to fund the rocket project.
Cdt Armitage is nominated for her outstanding initiative and dedication in supporting our Squadrons Rocket Project. Recognising that the project faced significant funding hurdles, Cdt Armitage took it upon herself to set up and manage a GoFundMe page to ensure the project could reach its full potential and be self sufficient.
Her proactive approach involved not just setting up the page, but actively promoting the cause and clearly communicating the project's goals to the wider community. Thanks to her efforts and those of the wider team, we have raised vital funds that will directly benefit all participating cadets by providing the necessary equipment and resources for the Rocket project and will enable them all to take part in the competition. Cdt Armitage’s selflessness and leadership have been an inspiration to her peers, proving that with determination and a positive 'if you think you can, you can' attitude, any obstacle can be overcome.
Jack Petchey Foundation
Essex Wing Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
Wing Warrant Officer - Essex Wing
