Service medals for high flyers
Air Cadets honour committed duo
them serve up to, and beyond, the national stand-down of the ROC, which – following the collapse of the Soviet Union and what was thought to be the end of the Cold War – was massively reduced in numbers.
But the services of Kenny and Graham were retained, and both served for a number of years at RAF Pitreavie Castle within the bunker with the remnants of the Observer Corps.
With further changes to their parttime service imminent, Kenny took the decision to concentrate upon his civilian work for the Scottish Ambulance Service and side-drumming as a pipe bandsman.
Graham subsequently transferred into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in Edinburgh, where he served for many years.
Following a change of civilian career for him in the mid-1990s as a support manager in the emergency services, Graham became aware of what was then a new youth organisation for Crieff, the Air Training Corps.
Spokesperson for 1743 ( Crieff ) Squadron ATC, Kerry Sweeney, told the Herald: “The previous part-time air force background that both Graham and Kenny had experienced in the past put them in a good place to be able to help develop the Crieff Air Cadet unit, and they have seen it – along with the rest of their colleagues – grow successfully to be a squadron in its own right.
“Many generations of cadets have benefitted over the years from the background and capabilities that Kenny and Graham have been able to offer, and their continuing teamwork, going back over four decades, is helping to prepare capable, trained and confident young people for the world of work and any potential future service with the armed forces.”
Crieff ’s RAF Air Cadets squadron trains most Thursdays and Tuesdays at the Crieff Combined Cadet Centre from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.
Those aged between 12 and 17 years looking for a flying start in life are welcome to head along to find out more.