AWARD WINNING CADET GOES GLOBAL

Cadet Lance Corporal Alicia McGorrey from Cullybackey Detachment, C Company, 1st (NI) Battalion, Army Cadet Force (ACF) was recently awarded BFBS Cadet of the Week and as a result she was interviewed by British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) and also featured in her local newspaper, the Ballymena Guardian.

The 15 year old hailing from the village was interviewed by presenter and local Ballymena man Tony Rodgers.  Due to COVID this had to be done via telephone with her interview centred around her involvement with cadets and her volunteering/community work during COVID-19 which also resulted in her receiving the Mayor’s Certificate.   
Tony asked her about her activities during lockdown, including food parcel deliveries to the vulnerable, participating in the salute to Capt Tom Moore, and the virtual celebrations for VE day with both ACF and the Craigs Parish Church including her own tribute for VJ Day. 

Her Detachment Commander, Lieutenant (Lt )Stephen Lyons, Colour Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Amanda Roxborough and local Craig’s Parish Church minister Rev Adrian Halligan where also asked to comment on the teenagers efforts and hard work within the Detachment and community.

Lt Lyons said:

“Alicia is an excellent example of a cadet and is an inspiration to others within the Detachment.  When asked to distribute food to the vulnerable through the Cullybackey Community Partnership she did not hesitate to step up to the mark”
Rev Adrian Halligan also remarked:
“As a tribute to VJ Day Alicia did some research into WW2 Solider Gunner John McIlroy Foster of the Royal Artillery she thought it would be a fitting tribute to tend his grave so after seeking permission from the Commonwealth Graves Commission she did a fantastic job cleaning the headstone” 

Alicia whose aunt is a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) within with the British Forces said:

“I can’t believe I’ve gained this title and my family are so pleased, it was made event more special by being interviewed by BFBS, which was amazing and I also excited to do a little news feature within the Ballymena Guardian.  

Not only are Alicia’s family over the moon but also the wider family of the 1st (NI) Battalion of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) who are all so proud at this well-deserved recognition.

Even though we at Army Cadet Force are not currently meeting up face to face, they are engaging in many virtual activities and meet up each week via Zoom.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Cadets within Northern Ireland between the ages of 12 and 14 can visit the following website www.armycadets.com
Catch up with Alicia’s interview on: https://radio.bfbs.com/radioplayer/episode/74f3de75-c8b3-570c-87d0-d31915db00af

BFBS can be listened to by anyone on digital radio, online, on iphone android app and on your smart speaker or radio station FM106.5 MHz.