The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
National award for high-flying air cadet Jamal
Military: Teen’ s feats inspired his mum to join up
An Aberdeen air cadet has beaten 34,000 others to be named the organisation’s highest flyer.
Cadet Warrant Officer Jamal Ronald has been awarded the Dacre Sword, after being named the top male cadet in the Air Training Corps.
To earn the honour, the teenagers have to pass three stages which test their commitment to the virtues most sought after in the organisation, and pass a Dragons’ Den-style interview.
Mr Ronald, from Bridge of Don, was put forward by Group Captain James Leggat, who described him as an “exceptional individual” and a “shining example” to his unit and the wider organisation.
The 19-year-old first joined the cadets in 2014 and has since been named the best in the north-east Scotland wing for 2017-18.
Last year, he was his Montrose squadron’s cadet for 2018 based on his high attendance, ability to lead and his achievements in sports, shooting and first aid.
He was also named north-east Scotland’s top youth sports climber and works as a support worker at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.
Mr Ronald – who is currently working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award – said: “This all started at my Bridge of Don squadron, where a member of staff said ‘You’ll make a great cadet’ and ever since then, I have always wanted to do my best.”
His dedication has also inspired his proud mother to join the organisation as a volunteer.
Pilot Officer Andrea Ronald said: “Jamal has had a lot of challenges on his way to winning this award – he was up against a lot of great applicants and had to put in the work. After having a knock to his confidence and seeing his academic work suffer as a result, the air cadets have given him the space to refind that confidence and set him up for life with all the vocational qualifications he now has.”
Lord Provost Barney Crockett presented Mr Ronald with a certificate to mark his accomplishments and said it was an “honour” to attend the ceremony.
The ceremonial sword, donated by the family of Group Captain Phil Dacre MBE, was formally bestowed on him earlier this year.