The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) is incredibly proud and delighted to recognise those within our organisation who have been awarded honours in the New Year Honours List. This prestigious recognition is a profound testament to the outstanding service, dedication, and inspirational commitment displayed by our award recipients.
State Honours
Leading this year’s list of honorees is Squadron Leader Stewart Norris, Commanding Officer of 875 (Westdyke) Squadron, North Scotland Wing. Sqn Ldr Norris has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his tireless services to young people in Aberdeenshire. His leadership at Westdyke is an inspiration to both cadets and volunteers across the North Scotland Wing.
Talking about when he heard that he was to be awarded the BEM, Sqn Ldr Norris said, "It was a bit of a shock when I received the letter informing me that I was to be recommended for the award of the British Empire Medal, in recognition for my work with young people in the Air Cadets. I'm very much honoured to be recognised this way but I've not done all the work myself. I am part of a team on the squadron who all work together to ensure the cadets are offered all the opportunities available to them and encourage the cadets to make the most of these opportunities."
AOC 22 Group Commendations
We are also proud to announce that the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 22 Group has recognised two other outstanding contributions within the RAFAC family:
Mrs K O'Halloran (HQ RAF Air Cadets, RAF Cranwell): Awarded an AOC 22 Group Individual Commendation for her exceptional media work within the headquarters team, notably supporting VE80.
Cadet Training Team - North Region (RAF Leeming): Awarded an AOC 22 Group Team Commendation for their collective excellence in delivering high-quality training across the North Region.
These recipients truly embody the core values of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Their efforts, often carried out quietly behind the scenes, have made a significant positive impact on our cadets, volunteers, and the wider community. We celebrate their success and thank them for setting such a remarkable example for us all.
Commandant, Air Commodore Al Lewis expressed his pride in the recipients:
“It is a privilege and a moment of great pride for the entire RAFAC family to see our dedicated personnel recognised in the New Year Honours List. To receive a national honour or an AOC Commendation is a significant form of acknowledgement, reflecting years of selfless service and extraordinary effort. These recipients have gone above and beyond, and their commitment stands as an inspiration to every cadet and volunteer. On behalf of the RAFAC, I offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to each of our award winners on this well-deserved public recognition.”
Air Commodore Lewis
Commandant RAFAC