A VOLUNTEER who has supported more than a thousand Basingstoke Army Cadets has received a medal for his long service.
Colour Sergeant Dave Martin, who has been volunteering with three platoon Basingstoke detachment for 12 years, used to be a cadet and has seen all his children follow in his footsteps to join the youth organisation.
He was presented an award from Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hope MBE, who is the county commandant for Hampshire, in recognition of his dedication.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Territorial Army Reserce in Penrith Road, Basingstoke, Dave said: "I was here as a cadet many years ago, so it's nice to come back and teach the next generation as a youth organisation.
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"Being an ex-cadet, I have taken things from my experience there throughout my life, in regards to discipline and standards. I think it's a great thing which promotes good morals, leadership and life skills in young people, which is invaluable experience to have.
"I'm glad to be here and volunteer for our fantastic cadets in Basingstoke."
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Major Andy Toze, who was also at the ceremony, said: "Dave has been here volunteering for 12 years now and in that time, I expect he's seen close to a thousand cadets come through the organisation, which tells you the massive impact he has had on the local community.
"This medal is to show how consistent and regular Dave has been here and involved with the children, and that kind of consistency and commitment is appreciated by the cadets. One of our values is selfless commitment and Dave embodies that sentiment, giving up his own time week after week as a volunteer.
"To do all that requires a fair amount of dedication and we are very happy to see him receive the award."
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is a national youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and the British Army. Along with the Sea Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps, the ACF makes up the Community Cadet Forces.
Although sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the ACF is not part of the British Army, with cadets not subject to military 'call up'. Some cadets do, however, go on to enlist in the armed forces later in life.
Three platoon Basingstoke is part of Minden Company, with the platoons separated into detachments. The areas which make up Minden Company are Basingstoke Three Platoon, Overton, Old Basing, Winchester, Middle Wallop and Andover.
Three platoon Basingstoke meets twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm-9pm and is open to anyone aged between 12 (and in Year 8) to 18-year-olds. The cadets take part in a variety of drills and subjects, including drill and turnout, military knowledge, navigation, first aid, shooting, skill at arms and much more.
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