2016 is the Corps' 75th anniversary. We'll probably see Kate at events throughout the year.
Read more:
RAF. News featured on website - RAF Families Federation
This is also another Patronage that is another link in the chain not only Kate, but also Will and Harry, are creating regarding Youth and Mental Health. Our next door neighbours youngest son Nicholas was "that kid who's a trouble maker" until Fourth Grade and a Teacher who realized Nick has severe learning disabilities. While it did help Nick realize he really wasn't stupid, but just learns differently, it wasn't until Nick became old enough to follow his older brother Eric into the local Air Cadets that things really started turning around for him.
I do not recognize Nick these days, as he's simply not the same kid anymore and that is all due to the Cadets. He now looks you in the eyes when you're talking to him, instead of either being being very guarded and withdrawn as he used to be just a few short years ago, and the confidence!! It just literally shines from him and I was literally bursting w/pride when I'd heard at the Ontario Provincial Air, Sea and Army Cadets Shooting Championships earlier this year, that Nick was not only the best in Accuracy and Distance in his age range, but also one of the best across all the Age Ranges in at the Championships!!
This could have been one of the countless tragic stories we all know too well these days. Of the kid who fell through the cracks for whatever reason, started believing all that garbage we know can be said by those who have no business being Teachers, not to mention what other kids can be like and.... We end up talking about another lost kid who ended up dealing w/stress and issues no child should ever deal w/and couldn't.
Instead, Nick is blossoming and is busy fundraising for his trip as part of the contingent that will be travelling in a year and a half to take part in the events marking the Centennial of The Battle of Vimy Ridge. Which is a huge honour for any kid, but for *this* kid!?! He truly has come a very long way.
And all due to Cadets. I really think Kate taking on this Patronage will allow her, not only to see how the discipline and responsibility Cadets asks from the kids helps to build confidence and self esteem, but can also be another tool in the umbrella cause of Youth Mental Health Issues. Now, I know Cadets is not for every kid out there, but for those kids that it's not only the right fit for them, but literally be where the fork in the road took you to Depression, Despair and who knows what else or opened up a entirely new World full of potential? It is amazing what it can do for those kids. I've seen it.
I truly can not wait to see what Kate brings to her newest role and what being the new Honourary Air Commandant brings to her.
On a truly shallow note...I can not wait to see Kate in Uniform for the very first time. I truly think it will literally suit her to a tee.
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