Merseyside Wing Air Cadets

09/06/2026

Is your business/organisation involved? 💪

In 2014, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched. The Employer Recognition Scheme recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the Defence community. There are three tiers of award (Bronze, Silver and Gold) for employers who advocate support to the Armed Forces Community in alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Learn more about how to get involved 👇

42 businesses. One shared commitment to Defence.

Congratulations to this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award winners across the North West 👏

These organisations are backing the Armed Forces community in real ways, supporting Reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and military families through the way they work and lead.

Over the next few days we’ll be spotlighting some of the incredible businesses making a difference across our region ⭐

Could your organisation be next?

Find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme 👉
https://www.nwrfca.org.uk/employers/employer-recognition-scheme/

07/06/2026

Our next Volunteer Spotlight is Sqn Ldr Stephen Shallcross, Sector Commander.

Having benefited from the RAF Air Cadets himself, Ste now volunteers to ensure today's cadets have access to the same opportunities that helped shape his own journey.

Thank you for your dedication to supporting cadets and volunteers across Merseyside Wing. 💙

07/06/2026

When you've volunteered for 22 years, you've helped shape thousands of cadet experiences.

This Volunteer Spotlight is dedicated to WO Barry Seal from 1074 Ellesmere Port Squadron, RAF Air Cadets.

From first parade nights and camps to qualifications, friendships and achievements, Barry has spent over two decades helping young people make memories that last a lifetime. It's that commitment to providing the very best cadet experience that has kept him volunteering year after year.

Thank you, Barry, for 22 years of dedication and for the countless opportunities you've helped create along the way. 💙

07/06/2026

Our next Volunteer Spotlight is WO Shaun McLoughlin, Officer Commanding 7F 1st City of Liverpool Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets

After six years as a cadet, Shaun chose to continue his RAF Air Cadets journey as a volunteer and has now spent five years helping young people develop, grow and achieve their potential.

Thank you, Shaun, for your commitment to shaping the next generation. 💙

07/06/2026

Next up on our Volunteer Spotlight is Plt Off Gavin Ramejkis from 1913 Knotty Ash Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Having spent four years as a cadet, Gavin experienced first-hand the friendships, opportunities and personal development that the organisation can provide. Years later, when his son joined as a cadet, it inspired him to return as a volunteer and help create those same experiences for a new generation.

Gavin's story highlights something special about volunteering. It's not just about delivering activities or teaching skills. It's about helping young people discover confidence, build lifelong friendships and realise that they're capable of achieving far more than they might believe.

Thank you, Gavin! 💙

07/06/2026

Our next Volunteer Spotlight is Flt Lt Claire Hankinson, Officer Commanding 610 City of Chester Squadron Air Training Corps.

After a career spent caring for and supporting others within the NHS, Claire chose to continue making a difference through volunteering with the RAF Air Cadets. Over the last four years, she has dedicated her time to helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence and embrace opportunities that can shape their futures.

As Officer Commanding, Claire leads from the front, creating an environment where cadets can challenge themselves, develop new skills and achieve things they never thought possible.

Volunteering may look different for everyone, but at its heart it's about people. Claire's story is a fantastic example of how the skills, experience and passion gained throughout a career can continue to have a positive impact long into the future.

Thank you, Claire, for everything you do for the cadets and volunteers of 610 Squadron. 💙

07/06/2026

Not every volunteer journey starts decades ago.

The next Volunteer Spotlight is CI Adam Hedges from 1128 Crosby Squadron RAFAC, who has been volunteering for just one week.

After spending seven years as a cadet, Adam recently reached the age limit for cadet service. Rather than walking away from an organisation that had become a huge part of his life, he chose to stay and continue supporting the next generation as a volunteer.

That decision perfectly captures the spirit of volunteering. Taking the skills, experiences and memories gained as a cadet and using them to help create similar opportunities for others.

Adam's RAFAC journey may have changed direction, but his commitment to the organisation remains as strong as ever. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he'll have as he begins this new chapter as a CFAV.

Thank you for choosing to give back. 💙

07/06/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Sgt David Keelan

Some volunteers are the steady hand behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly so cadets can thrive.

As both Wing Quartermaster and Squadron SNCO at 7F 1st City of Liverpool Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Dave plays a vital role in supporting cadets and staff alike. His focus is simple: helping young people grow into confident, capable members of their communities.

Thank you for your dedication and service over the last 8 years. 💙

07/06/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Sgt Adam Fletcher

For Adam, volunteering is about opening doors.

At 1913 Knotty Ash Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets, he gives up his time to help cadets access opportunities, build confidence, and develop skills that can benefit them for years to come. Whether it's on a parade night or an activity weekend, he's passionate about ensuring young people get the most from their cadet experience.

Thank you, Adam, for helping create opportunities that make a real difference. 💙

07/06/2026

23 years of volunteering. That's thousands of parade nights, countless conversations, and generations of cadets whose journeys have been shaped by someone simply choosing to give their time.

Our next Volunteer Spotlight is Sqn Ldr Karl Tripp, Sector Commander.

Karl's role takes him across multiple squadrons, supporting staff teams, sharing advice, solving problems and helping units thrive. While many cadets may not always see the work that happens behind the scenes, volunteers like Karl help create the foundations that allow squadrons to deliver amazing opportunities week after week.

Having spent six years as a cadet himself, Karl understands first-hand the impact that RAFAC can have on a young person's life. More than two decades later, he continues to invest his time in helping others gain that same confidence, experience and sense of achievement.

Thank you for 23 years of service Karl and for the difference you continue to make across Merseyside Wing. 💙