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 Congratulations to FS(ATC) James Tye, 134 (Bedford) Squadron who has been awarded a certificate of Meritorious Service by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis.

This recognises his commitment to voluntary service with young people and especially his involvement at sector and wing level training activities.

A presentation ceremony took place on Monday 15th February 2016 at Jorden Mill, Bedfordshire.

Born in 1988, Flight Sergeant James Tye grew up in Bedford, Bedfordshire. Keen on aviation, he joined the ATC as a Cadet in August 2004. On completion of his initial training at 134 (Bedford) Squadron, he threw himself at every opportunity offered. Representing the Squadron at Wing Field Day five times, the Drill Team six times, also representing the Wing at the Regional Drill Competition on five occasions. James was twice awarded the Squadron Commanding Officer’s Shield in 2004 and 2008 and was also named the Squadron's Cadet of the Year in 2006.

James gained his Gliding Wings on completion of the ATC Gliding Scholarship at RAF Henlow. He also successfully completed the Air Cadet Leadership Course with Merit in July 2006 in Stafford. In 2008 James was nominated for Bedfordshire’s Young Person of the Year award, and has since been a judge for both Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire Young Person of the Year awards. James has flown in many types of aircraft ranging from Hawk and Tucano to Grob Tutors and many other military and civil rotary winged aircraft. He completed his Cadet Service in December 2009 at the rank of Sergeant.

Following a successful Wing Board in July 2010 James then joined the staff team and was appointed as Sergeant (ATC). In September 2010 James successfully completed the Drill Instructors Course at the Air Cadet Adult Training Facility, RAF Cranwell, achieving Qualified Drill Instructor status. In November 2011 James was heavily involved in Training the Squadron Banner Party which then went on to win the inaugural Air Training Corps National Banner Drill competition. He has since been involved in many successful drill teams at various levels.

On promotion to Flight Sergeant (ATC) in 2013, James returned to the Air Cadet Training Facility at RAF Cranwell and qualified as one of the first Air Cadet Arms Drill Instructors he is now responsible for the delivery of all Arms Training within Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing.

James was named the Best Staff Member in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing being awarded the Gibson Goblet on Wing Parade in June 2014. He is currently the SNCO i/c at 134 (Bedford) Squadron and until recently held the secondary duty of Course Commander for the Wing Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course; in his primary role he is the de facto second-in-command of the Squadron and plays a key role in the development of cadets in shooting, expeditions, military ethos and discipline and many other areas as well as coordinating and participating in ceremonial duties.

James works for Pratt & Whitney Canada (UK) Ltd. He enjoys spending time with his friends and in his spare time he enjoys flying his Quad Copter and maintaining his car.