The Lieutenancy of Banffshire
The Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets
2nd Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force: Keith Detachment
Cadet Company Sergeant Major Dagan Johnstone
CSM Johnstone has served with the ACF for over five years, achieving the rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major. His Commanding Officer commends Dagan for his deep loyalty to the Cadet Force, and for his outstanding leadership style. Dagan plays a key role in organising and motivating younger Cadets, works hard to improve the skills and capabilities of others and is a truly compassionate young man. He has strength in collaborating with others and has a keen interest in activities, such as Fieldcraft, that allow him to network with other Cadets.
Dagan has worked tirelessly to achieve the level of Master Cadet through his drive and determination to succeed. He has gained a wide range of qualifications including Senior Instructor, Signals, and a BTEC in Teamwork. He has represented the Battalion in Military Skills competitions and is a member of the Battalion Shooting Team.
Dagan has a passion for First Aid and also volunteers with a First Aid group outside of the cadet force, through which he has gained further qualifications. He has also volunteered at community events including the Huntly Triathlon and Scout Jamboree.
Dagan is keenly interested in Physics and Engineering and, as a member of a school team, designed and built a racing aerial drone for use in competitions. This inspired his ambition to study Engineering Systems at college, a qualification that will prepare him for an advance role in the Army Royal Signals Regiment.
His Commanding Officer comments, " CSM Johnstone diligently displays the values and standards of the ACF and is an ambassador for our motto 'To Inspire to Achieve'. He is making impressive strides as a young leader, undoubtedly inspiring his peers".
Air Training Corps North East Scotland Wing: 1298 (Huntly) Squadron
Cadet Flight Sergeant Connor Smithies
Flight Sergeant Smithies has served with the ATC for over six years, achieving the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant through hard work and determination, and is expected to be nominated soon for the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. His Commanding Officer commends Connor as a loyal and trustworthy Cadet who contributes a vast amount to his squadron, giving his loyalty to staff, guiding and supporting younger Cadets and projecting a first-rate impression of the Cadets.
Connor has achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, as well as a number of Cadet qualifications. He is an active participant in adventure training activities and is a keen shot. He has attended camps in the UK, Cyprus and Germany, assisted in the running of the Royal International Air Tattoo and RAF Scampton Airshow, and embarked on three voyages aboard the Sea Cadet training vessel TS Royalist. In 2019, he received a Regional Commandant's Commendation for his part in assisting at a road traffic collision. He is a keen fundraiser for Veterans' Aid and Help for Heroes in the local area. He enjoys rugby and plays for a local team.
Connor is currently a student at Moray College UHI and his career ambition is to join the Royal Air Force in a technical trade.
His Commanding Officer comments, "Cadet Flight Sergeant Smithies embodies the attributes that the Royal Air Force Cadets, and the wider community, seek in a young man. The efforts and commitment exhibited by Cadet Flight Sergeant Smithies should be recognised and he merits nomination for the role of Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet"