Two teenagers from Powys have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for 2023 at an awards ceremony in Mid Wales.

Cadet Sergeant Elliott Paul Tranter of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets were presented with the badge of their appointment, which will last for one year.

They were appointed by the Deputy Lieutenant of Powys, Mr Tony Evans on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Tia Jones at the ceremony at the Elephant and Castle Hotel in Newtown on Thursday, January 12.

Nearly 100 people attended the event to mark the new appointments and celebrate high achievers from the reserve and cadet communities.

The two were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

Elliott, 16, from Trefeglwys, who attends Llanidloes High School, joined Llanidloes Detachment just over four years ago following in a long line of family members. He was one of the first cadets to re-engage after the pandemic and transferred to Newtown to assist for a few months before returning to Llanidloes, where he played a major part in its rebuilding. Elliott, who aims to become an electrician, enjoys shooting and playing football.

Amira, 17, from Llandrindod Wells, who attends Hereford Sixth Form, got the flying bug on her first flight and has seized every opportunity through 579 Llandrindod Wells Squadron to gain more flying hours and is keen to pursue scholarships for gliding and powered flight. Outside of cadets, Amira who intends to study Business Studies at university, is a keen baker and also works in her parents restaurant as a chef.

They will follow in the footsteps of Cadet Sergeant Major Stephanie Chaplin and Cadet Sergeant Grace Buschini both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force; Civilian Instructor Erin Nodland of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Cadet Corporal Antonia Scott-Howell of Llandovery Combined Cadet Force, who were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate and Badge for being the 2022 representatives.

The role of Lord-Lieutenant cadet includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, Mrs Tia Jones, who acts as the Queen’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

Four adult volunteers - Flight Sergeant Andrew Dudley of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets; Acting Pilot Officer Mark Lumb and Registered Civilian Committee (Member) David Holt both of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Captain Rachael Jones-Morris of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force - were also recognised for their outstanding service and devotion to duty and awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.

All award recipients and appointees: Acting Pilot Officer Mark Lumb, Captain Rachael Jones-Morris, Registered Civilian Committee (Member) David Holt, Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra, Deputy Lieutenant of Powys, Mr Tony Evans, Cadet Sergeant Elliott Paul Tranter, Cadet Sergeant Grace Buschini, Cadet Sergeant Major Stephanie Chaplin and Cadet Corporal Antonia Scott-Howell.
All award recipients and appointees: Acting Pilot Officer Mark Lumb, Captain Rachael Jones-Morris, Registered Civilian Committee (Member) David Holt, Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra, Deputy Lieutenant of Powys, Mr Tony Evans, Cadet Sergeant Elliott Paul Tranter, Cadet Sergeant Grace Buschini, Cadet Sergeant Major Stephanie Chaplin and Cadet Corporal Antonia Scott-Howell (.)

Andrew, from Brecon, began his career as an air cadet in Cardiff before serving in the RAF. After a break from service, he returned as a civilian instructor in 2016 before successfully applying for uniform service. He is the main instructor at 415 (Brecon) Detached Flight where his leadership has been described as ‘inspiring.’

Mark, from Llandrindod Wells, joined 579 Llandrindod Wells Squadron just as the pandemic struck but became actively involved in virtual parade nights and fully supported the return to training activity. His superior knowledge of aviation engineering has dramatically improved the squadron’s senior and master cadet delivery capabilities.

Mark, a former glider pilot in his military days and a cadet in his youth, loves to enable cadets to fly whether in powered or glider planes. This has led to the first two Silver Gliding Scholarships in the last decade being awarded to two current senior cadets. He also offers free maths and science tuition within squadron to help those requiring additional support in their GCSE and A Level subjects.

David, from Llandrindod Wells, joined the civilian committee of 579 Llandrindod Wells Squadron, after his son Chris joined the RAF Air Cadets, taking on the role of treasurer shortly after. The local garden centre owner has moved the squadron to online banking and helped simplify finance matters for all. The squadron’s solvency has had many benefits including the recent repair to a mini bus used by cadets.

Rachael, runs the very successful Newtown Detachment which has more than 30 cadets. During her time in the ACF, Rachel, a nurse, has attended many annual camps and is one of the escorting officers for the Welsh cadets visit to South Africa this year. She enjoys fieldcraft the most and likes to get dirty!

There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities. The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,500 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

The awards ceremony was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.