Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets

My name is Clara Spitzer and I am a member of 220 St Albans Air Cadet Squadron. I am a Year 13 student currently studying maths, physics, and computer science; I am hoping to go on to a Masters in Aerospace Engineering.

During my time in the RAFAC, I have taken every opportunity given to me such as completing 5 week-long camps, both annual and subject specialist, and countless weekend courses too. My favourite subjects are shooting and First Aid, in which I have become an instructor and I teach lifesaving skills, which is one of the most rewarding things I’ve had the chance to do.

I have been challenged and pushed, developing so many new skills like leadership, quick and critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. The thing I am most proud of having achieved so far is reaching top 7 of Central and East England in the Dacre Sword Competition, and being part of the Regional Senior Cadet Forum

Joining the cadets was really a pivotal moment in my life. The people I have been surrounded and supported by both in Hertfordshire Wing and my squadron have had a huge impact in shaping the person I am today, and I am tremendously grateful to be representing them this year as the Lord Lieutenant’s Air Cadet for Hertfordshire.

I am Alex Cameron I am a sea cadet at Letchworth and Hitchin Unit (TS Danae), South District – I joined in late 2018 and since then have progressed up the ranks to Leading Cadet.

Throughout my cadet career I have earnt qualifications in skills such as First Aid, Mechanical Marine Engineering, catering, naval aviation, camp craft, sailing and more! I have  gone on courses on how to lead and teach younger cadets.

I love to see younger cadets become more confident in themselves and I want to inspire them to achieve as much as they can just like I’ve been inspired by senior cadets before me. Cadets have given me the opportunity to develop myself as an individual through gaining confidence and developing social skills, like leadership and teamwork.

Cadets have given me many opportunities to go on course around the country like the prestigious HMS Raleigh, SCC Weymouth and RAF Cranwell – as well as closely working with RN officers on the SCC flagship TS Royalist for 1 week.

I could not have done all this without the help of my unit and the support they provide – my CO and XOs drive to push me and others to become the best cadets we can be has been obvious since they joined in 2019 and I put my success down to them and my family for helping me to develop into the person I am today.

I am honoured this year to be Lord Lieutenant Cadet for sea cadets south district (Hertfordshire) and I look forward to the events ahead.

My name is Luxshyen Prathepan, and I am a member of the South West Herts Community Network in Rickmansworth. After joining St John’s Ambulance in 2019, I have taken a leading role in the Unit, achieving Cadet Corporal.

Over the five years of being a St John Cadet, I have participated in a wide range of courses and camps, varying from staffing a Cadet Leadership Course, National Camp, First Aid courses and so much more.

I am always eager to teach or provide first aid, as it is my strong belief that anyone should be able to receive or learn first aid, and so sharing my knowledge not only benefits the younger cadets but also allows me to give back to the organisation and the community that has enabled me to gain so many incredible experiences.

Thus far, St John has opened so many doors for me. One of the many was when I was fortunate enough to provide first aid cover at Twickenham when South Africa vs New Zealand, receiving my 100 hours Service awards, and completing Cadet Leadership 2.

Without the sublime charity, St John Ambulance is, the West Anglia district staff and everyone in my Unit, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.

I am extremely proud of my time with St. John Ambulance, where my self-confidence and dedication enabled me to make significant contributions to my Unit and District. As Lord Lieutenant’s St. John Ambulance Cadet for Hertfordshire, I am honoured to represent us all throughout this year.