An adult volunteer with Cheshire Army Cadet Force has been honoured by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant.
Staff Sergeant Jeremy Crimes, 49, was awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the Armed Services, in recognition of his exceptional service.
The presentation was made by Cheshire’s Lord-Lieutenant David Briggs during a ceremony at Chester Town Hall.
Jeremy, a self-employed joiner in his day job, first joined the Army Cadets in the 1980s. He later served in the Cheshire Regiment.
A few years after leaving the Army he rejoined the cadets as an adult instructor, where he has spent 11 years at Tarporley Detachment – the same detachment where he first served as a young cadet.
As detachment commander, Jeremy, of Clotton, has run Tarporley Detachment virtually single-handedly and shaped it into one of the best detachments in Cheshire.
The cadets there work closely with the community and Jeremy is credited with delivering some of the best quality training.
With the detachment’s facilities currently in rented accommodation, Jeremy spends time setting up and dismantling equipment for each parade night. He has selflessly carried out all these tasks while also a full-time carer for his parents.
Jeremy said: “I’m really very surprised and honoured to be receiving this award.”
The chief executive of the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), which runs the awards, Colonel Mark Underhill, said: “The Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication and professionalism of the adults and young people who contribute so much to the Cadet movement.
“If it were not for the efforts of individuals like Staff Sergeant Instructor Fletcher, many young and disadvantaged people would have missed out on some of life’s best experiences.
“The Cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel.
“We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated adult volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy.
“We would love to hear from people willing to offer their time and enthusiasm to join the ranks of the region’s adult instructors – no military experience is needed and full training is provided.”
