Limavady and Eglinton cadets honoured for their outstanding achievements

Presented with the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Outstanding Meritorious Service Above and Beyond The Call of Duty – an award which is second in importance only to one presented by Her Majesty The Queen – were Limavady woman Lieutenant Michele Colhoun, an Adult Instructor with the Army Cadet Force, serving at Limavady, while, at the same ceremony, Eglinton student, sixteen-year-old Chris Smyth was installed as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the County of Londonderry.

The role which is largely ceremonial will see Chris who is an enthusiastic member of the Newbuildings Detachment of the Army Cadet Force attend Mr Denis Desmond, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Londonderry, on major civic occasions. In recognition of the award, Chris will wear the special insignia on his uniform throughout his year in office.

Cadet Sergeant Major Chris Smyth, pictured receiving his Award from Colonel Desmond, brings a sting of successes from his Cadet career to his new role. In the Citation which accompanies his Award he is described as ‘an enthusiastic 4 Star Cadet who possesses and exemplary attendance record within his Battalion. He leads by example and has proven to be a dependable Cadet with a maturity beyond his years.”

Chris is commended for the successful completion of his Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre and for representing his Company in drill, shooting, first aid and military skills competitions. He has recently been selected to represent the United Kingdom on the 2012 Cadet Exchange Exercise in Canada.

The Citation concludes, “He has championed Cadet In The Community and can be relied upon to assist with any fundraising, recruiting or charity events. He is a fit and active sportsman and regularly instructs within his Detachment …. a committed, respected and well-mannered Cadet.

A guiding force in the Cadet movement in the North West, Lieutenant Michelle Colhoun is described in the Citation which accompanies her Award as ‘an exceptional Cadet Officer – hard working, dedicated, engaging and with the highest of personal standards’. Those standards have been recognised nationally, as the Citation points out; “It was no surprise that on completing her Adult Instructor course at Frimley Park, she was invited back onto the teaching staff! Now she plays a pivotal role training probationary Instructors at Induction and Continuation courses.”

But it is Michelle’s role in Limavady which earns her the highest rewards – the success of the Cadets under her care and training and the Citation says, “Lieutenant Colhoun currently commands the Limavady Detachment. Cadets, parents and fellow Adult Volunteers all praise her commitment, professionalism and the manner in which she nurtures the Junior Cadets from novice recruit to competant young adult.

“She epitomises the Cadet motto, ‘To Inspire, To Achieve’, all reflected in her Detachment’s ongoing achievements, Lieutenant Colhoun is without doubt an outstanding and inspirational Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.”