Recognition of Long Service for Sandy Squadron Officer

Flight Lieutenant Geoff Matthews RAF VR(T) from 22 (Sandy) Squadron recently received his 3rd Clasp for his Cadet Forces Medal, awarded in recognition of long service to the Cadet Forces.

The Cadet Forces medal is awarded to on completion of twelve years of uniformed service, with a Clasp being awarded every subsequent six years of service following this. As this is Flight Lieutenant Matthews 3rd Clasp, it marks an astonishing 30 years of uniformed service to the Cadet Forces.

Flight Lieutenant Matthews originally joined the ATC in 1957, and later served with the Royal Air Force as a pilot flying helicopters and large transport aircraft, before becoming a civilian pilot.

During his 30 years of service, Flight Lieutenant Matthews has also previously provided air experience flying for Air Cadets during his time with 5 Air Experience Flight at RAF Wyton, as well as serving on local Cadet Squadrons at the same time, and continues within his current role at Sandy Squadron.

On receiving his Clasp, Flight Lieutenant Matthews commented, “Time can certainly fly-by, I didn’t even realise I was getting close to receiving my 3rd Clasp. The Air Training Corps has played a large part in setting off my flying career, so helping inspire the next generation into a career in aviation”.