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Flt Lt Piedade, CO of 344(Fulham) Squadron sat in the hot seat last week as he prepared to have his head shaved.
He made a promise to the Inness Sword team that if they came in the top 5 he would have his head shaved. To his amazement the team came 3rd and true to
his word he got his hair cut.
Well done to the team! |
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Flt Lt Tony Piedade was selected this year to lead the Air cadet contingent at the Lord Mayors Show 2007.
Cadets from 344 (Fulham) Squadron were also among the contingent of 150 cadets and also included Wing Commander Sylvie Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing and Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE RAF.
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Cllr Antony Lillis, Cabinet Member for Community and Children's Services visited the Squadron on the 28th November 2007.
Cllr Lillis was shown around the squadron facilities and was given an opportunity to talk to the 39 cadets assembled on parade.
Cllr Lillis, a huge supporter of the squadron and its aim to expose its activities to all local kids was impressed with the set wide range of activities offered by the Squadron and the Air Cadet organisation as a whole.
Flt Lt Piedade, Commanding officer said " It was a pleasure to welcome the Cllr to the squadron and provide an opportunity for him to see first hand the great services that we offer" |
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The Inness sword competition this year was yet again as challenging at it
ever was. The competition which was run over 2 days and had 26 teams enter
(each with 8 cadets) proved to be tough and demanding.
The cadets competed in 8 different events; Drill, First Aid, Shooting,
Obstacle course, Command task, observation exercise, Forced March and a
navigation exercise.
I am extremely pleased to be able to report that 344 Sqn came away as
winners of two of these events (observation exercise & Speed March) The team
performed with enormous dedication and fighting spirit coming in 3rd Place
for the overall event. The cadets were clearly & visibly proud of their
achievement and no one was more proud of them than me.
Congratulations to the team!
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Whilst most students were at school, CPL Evans was at RAF Benson in
Oxfordshire on a 2 week work experience. During the first week he was
enrolled at 28 (AC) SQN were the Merlin helicopter operates from and during
the second week he was enrolled at the Puma aircraft servicing flight
(PASF).
Whilst at 28 SQN he experienced such things as helping to refuel and marshal
off the Merlin helicopter as well as enjoying 2 flights.
During his time as PASF, CPL Evans helped dismantle the Puma helicopter
which has been in service for more than 30 years! Once the aircraft had
been dismantled a strict inspection of all the parts was undertaken and old
damaged parts were replaced. During his week at PASF he also got to go on a
2 hour low level flight in the Puma with 33 SQN who operate the Puma from
RAF Benson. When asked what his best part of the week was, CPL Evans said"my favorite part of the whole week was sitting on the ramp on the Merlin
flight".
As a result of his visit to the operational RAF station and experiencing
first hand what life is really like in the RAF, it has made CPL Evans want
to join the RAF even more.
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The Squadron was pleased to be able to enter a Senior ( min of 12 cadets in
the squad) Team to compete at this years London Wing Drill Competition.
Like most competitions the wing turned out in force with 28 Squadron
competing for the accolade of being the Best at Drill.
The Squadron was unable to enter this competition two years ago due to lack
of cadet numbers, but this year we were enormously proud to see the squadron
take part.
The Drill competition is always difficult to train for, not least because of
the time of year, cadets tend to go away over the summer leaving very little
time to train. This year the Drill squad had a matter of hours to train
together; however, under the leadership of Warrant Officer Mark Rye (Drill
Instructor) we were able to come away in 14th Place.
There was no shortage of compliments from other staff on the turnout of our
cadets, they were smart, fantastically well behaved and professional in
their approach to a very tough competition. The Squadron now has a great foundation with which to build upon, and no
doubt we will continue to improve and become real contenders in this
competition in future years.
The Drill Squad comprised of:
CWO Teixeira
F/sgt Clark (F)
Sgt Freedman
Cpl Evans
Cpl Andre (F)
Cdt Main (F)
Cdt Collins
Cdt Khizar
Cdt Coats
Cdt Ahmed
Cdt Vazquez
Cdt canalles (F)
Cdt St John ( Reserve)
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Wing Commander Sylvie Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing was invited to come inspect the squadron and spend the evening talking to cadets.
The Wing Commander was given a tour of the squadron facilities, introduced to the staff and given an opportunity to speak to the cadets in an informal setting, giving her the opportunity to hear from the cadets themselves about their experiences of the squadron and the ATC at large. The Final parade was taken by the cadets and lead by CWO T Teixeira. During the final parade the Wing Commander was pleased to make a serried of presentations to the cadets which included, shooting medals, certificates of achievement and promotions.
The Wing Commander was visible impressed with the squadrons performance and wished us well for the future.
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Greg Hands MP; accompanied by Shaun Bailey, an avid supported of the cadet organisations were welcomed to the Squadron by Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Tony Piedade RAFVR(T).
During their visit they were introduced to staff and cadets of the unit and were given the opportunity to speak to each on a one to one basis, allowing them to understand what motivates the cadets to join.
Greg also took the time to speak to the group of 25 cadets about his role in parliament and gave the cadets an opportunity to ask questions. His visit ended with the presentation of awards and certificate to the cadets marking some of their more recent achievements.
When asked about his experience at the squadron, Greg Hands said, “Shaun Bailey and I were delighted to visit the Squadron and present the annual awards. Both of us greatly value the work the Air Cadets do, and look forward to working with Flt Lt Piedade to expand the Squadron further with local boys and girls. Shaun knows from first hand experience how the Cadets can turn around the lives of young people and last night I heard this at first hand from the youngsters there. I wish them all the best of luck"
“It was a pleasure to welcome such a prominent Member of Parliament to the Squadron” Said Flt Lt Piedade. “Greg and Shaun were great with the cadets; they took the time to come and see us in the evening and were clearly happy to spend time talking to cadets and staff. The Squadron has much to offer the local youth; including, flying, gliding, sports and expeditions and I wanted them to see what a positive effect our organisation has on the young people of the borough.”
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Many
congratulations to F/Sgt Timothy Teixeira who was
recently promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest
rank a cadet is able to reach. The appointment to
Cadet Warrant Officer is not a squadron appointment,
neither is it automatic.
Nominations for promotion
to CWO have to first pass through London Wing for
approval and then Headquarters Air Cadets make the
final decision from hundreds of candidates.
Timothy was presented with
his new rank by Rgt
Hon Greg Hands MP, Hammersmith
and Fulham, during his visit to the Squadron.
Timothy continues to set
an excellent example in the way he leads the
squadron and we congratulate him on his recent promotion.
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On
5th March 2007 the squadron was pleased to welcome
Cllr Minnie Scott Rusell, Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham
for her first visit to the squadron.
During her visit, the Mayor met with both staff
and cadets and was shown around the squadron facilities.
After introductions and
then being shown around, the Mayor very kindly agreed
to make some presentations.
Cdt Khizar was presented
with his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Our Shooting team was presented
with the London Wing Shooting Trophy and medals.
And
a number of cadets were presented with their Jack
Petchey medals.
The Mayor was also informed about the squadrons
planned expedition to Sri Lanka in 2008, which she
was very impressed with. The squadron has long desired
to be more involved in the community, and we are
extremely pleased that the Mayor has agreed that
our cadets will be used where ever possible in order
to make people more aware of the Air Cadets. The
first of such engagements is likely to be in April
when the Mayor hosts a reception for some of the
boroughs most successful businesses.
In a follow up email the Mayor commented;
“I am continually
delighted by the fantastic dedication of so many
delightful people who come to Hammersmith and Fulham
to give their time and are committed to improving
lives and expectations. It really is heartening.
Your cadets impressed me with the way they held
themselves and the obvious pride they have in their
unit. I would feel very safe in their hands.” |
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Cadet Flight Sergeant
Timothy Teixeira was officially presented with his
Deputy Lord Lieutenants Certificate which he won
in late 2006.
Timothy has been a devoted
member of the squadron and has been instrumental
in the management and preparation of the cadets for
a wide range of activities and events.
Colonel J. Holland, Her
Majesty's Deputy Lieutenant for the Borough of Hammersmith
and Fulham presented the certificate which carries
the following citation..
“As the representative
Deputy Lieutenant for the borough of Hammersmith
and Fulham I hereby record the grateful recognition
of the lieutenancy of Greater London for the outstanding
example as a cadet and member of the community set
by Cadet Flight Sergeant Timothy Teixeira of 344
(Fulham) Squadron ATC in the service of Her Majesty
the Queen.”
Flight Sergeant Teixeira
joins a long line of Cadets from this Squadron to
be awarded such a prestigious certificate of recognition. |
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Just
to prove that no one is ever forgotten, Mr Nazir,
an ex-cadet and ex– member of staff was awarded
with his Deputy Lord Lieutenants certificate which
he won in 2003!
For administrative reasons
the award was overlooked and never presented. The
squadron was pleased to rectify this oversight. |
The London wing 5-a-side football competition took place
on the 25th February 2007. The squadron was able to enter
a junior boys and senior boys team, due to a number of
reasons we had insufficient girls available to play this
weekend, so sadly we were unable to enter in all three
categories.
Despite this, our senior boys
team did us proud narrowly missing victory when the game
went to penalty shootouts. The Senior Boys walked away
with SILVER Medals. Not only was this a hugely successful
out come, but 344 was also able to defeat rival squadron
46F which won BRONZE.
Well Done!
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The
RAF Careers presentation team visited the squadron
on the 26th February. The Team, CT Phil Betts and
Cpl Wayne Miller were fantastic and lead a great
participation style session with the cadets.
The evening was primarily
focused on leadership and the qualities which are
required from the men and women of the RAF.
Our thanks to them and we
hope to see them visit us again soon. |
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Cadet
Flight Sergeant Timothy Teixeira was awarded a flying
scholarship. Timothy traveled to Scotland to attend
his course where he underwent a number of flying
hours training courtesy of the Royal Air Force and
Dundee Flying Club. Flying Scholarships help young
cadets gain much of the experience and foundation
required to qualify for a Private Pilots License.
Timothy who is keen to join the RAF as a pilot has
already obtained his Gliding Wings, the addition
of the Gliding Scholarship badge will serve to show
his commitment to aviation.
Timothy is due to return
to Dundee in the next few months to complete his
training. Good Luck! |
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Newly
promoted Cadet Sergeant N.Clark was proudly presented
with her Gliding wings following the successful completion
of the level1 gliding course.
Sgt Clark was unfortunate
not to have had better weather on her course, since
it was poor weather that prevented her returning
from the week long course at RAF Cranwell with her
GOLD wings, Sgt Clark will aim to
return to RAF Cranwell to complete her course as
soon as a place is made available.
Picture: Colonel John Holland,
Deputy Lord Lieutenant present Clark with her gliding
wings. |
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Clark collects her award from Colonel Holland |
344 Squadron & 1374 Squadron
joined forces for the first time in a joint camp exercise
in early July at Mereworth woods. Both squadrons carried
out independent and joint training , which resulted in
a highly successful weekend.
The squadron owes a particular
thanks to Flt Lt Simon Gadd and his staff as well as to
our very own Plt Off Mulae for their hard work in putting
the weekend together.
Once on site, It was great to
see a group of NCO’s run the operational side of
a camp in such an able and professional manner under the
watchful eye of two commanding officers. The weekend involved
cadets staying in tented accommodation, cooking for themselves,
practicing navigation exercises and terminating with a
simulated casualty evacuation exercise at the end of the
weekend. The weather was magnificent and made for a very
enjoyable time for cadets and staff alike. The Squadron
sincerely hopes that this will be one of many joint exercise
camps between the two units.
The
Jack Petchey foundation which supports youth work
through the London area, has recognised David
Owen's commitment and enthusiasm to the squadron
by presenting him with the adult service award.
Dave has been with the
squadron for over 30 Years. During that time he
has seen 7 Commanding officers come and go, not
to mention the hundreds of cadets and NCOs who
have walked through our doors.
Dave’s dedication
to the squadron is simply second to none, as such
I hope you will join me in congratulating him on
this award.
Thanks to Dave’s award,
the foundation will be writing out a cheque for £1000
to go towards squadron equipment. Congratulations! |
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Flight
Lieutenant Piedade took over from Flt Lt Gareth Marriot
( 444 (Det) Sqn ATC) at this year’s summer
camp as the Camp Commandant. Flt Lt Piedade was responsible
for overseeing the training and activities of 34
cadets during the final London Wing cadet camp at
RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The handover took
place inside the C17 transport plane where the outgoing
Camp commandant handed over the cadet welfare with
the symbolic First Aid Kit!
The week was action packed
with cadets enjoying a variety of visits to active
RAF sections such as, 99 Squadron ( C-17), Station
Fire section, Tactical communications Unit, Survival
Equipment Section, RAF Police, Air Traffic Control
and many more. Cadets were also treaded to an elaborate
and perfectly organized evening exercise put together
by Cpl Caffrey (RAF) and SAC J Martin (RAF) both
forming part of the RAF Air Cadet Liaison Team
at RAF Brize Norton.
Cadets were also fortunate
enough to have got a total of 1 hour flying EACH,
during the week. Flying remained strong on the programme
and where ever possible all efforts were made to
ensure that cadets got their fair share of the flying
slots available. |
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The Squadron was out in force
for this year’s Remembrance Sunday. 22 Cadets paraded
with the other representatives of the armed forces to join
in remembrance at the Fulham Memorial. Cadet Flight Sergeant
Timothy Teixeira carried the Squadron Banner accompanied
by the Banner Party Cadet Corporal
Michael Evans and Cadet Corporal Sam Freedman. Cadet Corporal
Nikki Clark (F) represented the Squadron by laying the
wreath at the memorial along side that of other military
units and dignitaries.
The Squadron is a full supporter
of the remembrance parade, indeed it is one of a few compulsory
parades of the year. Well done to those that turned up.
The
Squadron hosted its first Squadron Dinner for a number
of years on the 23rd September 2006. Over 40 people,
staff, ex cadets, parents and guests attended
the function which was very well received. The Guest
of Honor of the evening was Squadron Leader D. Hale,
himself a former Commanding Officer of 344(Fulham)
Squadron.
The evening began with
a drinks reception in the bar where all the guests
were greeted by the Commanding Officer. This was
followed by a formal 4 course dinner, which was
lovingly prepared by three volunteers Ms Sharon
Katlin, Sue Duprose and Kath Martin. Dinner was
followed by Port, Speeches and coffee! As was intended,
speeches were kept to a minimum so as not to cut
too much into the festivities which followed. The
bar remained open until 1230am as did the disco
and dancing.
The Dinner was organized
by Adult Warrant Officer Mick Collins who almost
single handedly organized the catering, the wine,
the snacks and the accommodation. The squadron Presented
Mick with a Tankard at the dinner in recognition
of his efforts and in the hope that he will do it
again next year. |
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The
Squadron took to Crowborough camp in October to train
and prepare for the Inness Sword Competition. The
Inness sword is a tough and challenging competition
in which cadets are required to compete in many disciplines
including; Drill ( Marching), Shooting, Obstacle
Course, Forced march, Orienteering and First Aid.
The winners of the Inness sword go forward to represent
the Air Training Corps in the Elworthy Competition,
an Army run event where members of all the Cadet
forces are invited to participate and compete for
the much coveted Elworthy Sword.
Our Team this year comprised
of , Flt Sgt Teixeira, Sgt Sarmiento, Cpl N.Clark
, Cpl Evans, Cpl Freedman, Cdt Kihzar, Cdt J Clark,
Cdt Reid.
The Inness Sword competition
itself was held over a weekend, the weather held
off long enough to get most of the teams through
all the respective events by the end of the first
day. 344 (Fulham) Sqn, while not winning any of the
events can be proud of its achievement during the
competition.
The team competed with
all their strength giving it their all to every event
despite the limited time they
had to prepare for the competition.
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