Press Release

134 (Bedford) Squadron
Air Training Corps
Shortstown
Bedford
MK42 0TH

8th April 2008

Job Done

Seven years ago, as soon as she was old enough to join, 13 year old Esther Russell started her cadet career with 134 (Bedford) Squadron, Air Cadets. Since joining in April 2001, Esther has developed with the squadron, working hard to gain both the highest academic classification of Staff Cadet and the most senior cadet rank of
Cadet Warrant Officer.

On Monday 7th April, after seven years of service as a cadet at 134 (Bedford) Squadron, Esther was wheeled out of the squadron headquarters into civilian life. Pushed on a trolley by all the NCO team. A tradition which is followed for all Senior NCO's when they retire from the squadron.

Esther has been pivotal in helping the squadron to grow in this time. She was a member of the Squadron Field and Drill Teams for the past six years, the later of which the squadron has won for the past four years.

She had also had many opportunities in this time, such as meeting the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at No 10 Downing Street in 2006, Parading at the Tower of London in 2007, even a personalised, round the country tour with 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF earlier this year. She has also been flown in many aircraft including Seaking and Gazelle and several hours on board a Chinook.

In 2006 she won the Commanding Officer's Shield, where she was selected by the CO for her work in the Squadron. for this she was rewarded a day as a crew member on board a Puma Helicopter at RAF Benson.

Flt Lt Mark Robinson said "Esther has been a loyal, steadfast and central member of our cadet team for the past seven years, I remember her joining on her first night, and I am proud to see all she has personally achieved. I am also pleased with what she has helped the squadron accomplish in the same time."

Even after seven years it seems her ATC career is not completely over as Esther is becoming a Civilian Instructor with the view to go back into uniform as staff in the near future.