A man in green uniform stood in front of an ambulance.

For Duty Officer and Armed Forces Network Co-Chair Simon Walton, that connection stretches back more than two decades.

Simon joined 2192 (Appleby Grammar School) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC), in May 2002. Six years later, he moved from being a cadet to becoming a cadet force adult volunteer (CFAV), taking on the role of a non-commissioned officer.

In 2010, Simon was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), beginning a new chapter in his cadet career. Over the following years, he held a number of roles including training officer, squadron adjutant and squadron commander, before becoming a wing staff officer responsible for health and safety and child protection across Cumbria and Lancashire Wing.

In the role, Simon was a subject matter expert and point of contact for around 1,500 cadets and CFAVs.

Simon’s time with the Air Cadets also gave him skills and qualifications that he continues to use in his work at NWAS.

He gained a teaching qualification, which he now uses to deliver training to colleagues, including new staff and those undertaking specialist training.

He also completed health and safety training at RAF Cranwell, knowledge he now draws on as a health and safety representative and one of the trust’s safety officers.

Alongside these qualifications, Simon developed valuable skills in leadership, managing people and making decisions, all of which have continued to support him throughout his career.

“The cadets gave me a lot of transferable skills and qualifications. I still use many of them in my role at NWAS today.”

But for Simon, the most valuable part of his time with the cadets was seeing the impact it had on young people.

“One of the best experiences was seeing the cadets gain confidence, achieve qualifications and go on to have successful civilian or military careers.”

His time with the ATC also brought some memorable experiences, including meeting the late Queen while he was squadron commander at Kendal, and taking part in national drill and ceremonial camps.

Two photos. Left photo: A man stood in navy military uniform alongside the late Queen. Right image: A man stood in a graduation gown holding a certificate alongside another man in graduation attire.

One particular highlight was the 75th anniversary of the formation of the ATC at RAF Cranwell, where around 400 cadets and CFAVs came together for a week of training before taking part in a full ceremonial parade alongside a marching band.

For Simon, those experiences demonstrated what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to learn, work together and challenge themselves.

“The level of teamwork, determination and creativity that the cadets have never failed to amaze me.”

After more than 22 years, Simon’s time with the Air Cadets has left him with lasting friendships, valuable skills and memories. But perhaps most importantly, the satisfaction of seeing the next generation grow in confidence and achieve things they might not have thought possible.