We are delighted to announce that Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Graeme Hughes, from the South West Region, has been awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Squadron Leader Hughes has devoted over four decades to public service, demonstrating exceptional commitment as a police officer, Ministry of Defence (MOD) civil servant, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
Since joining the RAF Air Cadets in 1983, he has dedicated all his available free time to supporting young people. He has served as a Civilian Instructor, commissioned officer, and three-time Air Training Corps (ATC) Unit Commander. He strengthened squadrons, led international camps, managed large-scale activities, and, as Deputy Officer Commanding (OC) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing (HIOW), oversaw complex personnel matters. He later supported over 500 cadets in achieving Duke of Edinburgh Awards and revitalised the RAF section of Winchester College Combined Cadet Force (CCF), raising training standards and securing new facilities. As Wing Executive Officer for HIOW, he ensured the safeguarding and welfare of 1,000 cadets and 300 volunteers.
A dedicated community volunteer, he has supported RAF Odiham events, raised thousands of pounds for charity, and served Alton Cricket Club in multiple leadership roles. His sustained service has profoundly shaped generations of young people.
Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Al Lewis, said:
“We are very proud of Squadron Leader Hughes. His astounding longevity of service across multiple domains, his passion, reliability, and dedication make him the epitome of a stalwart volunteer.”
Group Captain Maxine Fletcher, South West Region’s Regional Commandant, said:
“Squadron Leader Hughes has inspired and shaped a selfless volunteering culture within HIOW and beyond. Since retiring in 2022, he continues to dedicate much of his free time to RAF Air Cadets as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer. Despite suffering a heart attack in December 2024, he was back supporting cadet activities by January 2025 and continues to this day.
Hughes’ leadership and management expertise have had a profound, positive impact on the personal development of hundreds of cadets and volunteers. Many have gone on to contribute to public service, either professionally or through volunteering. He has committed significant time to improving the lives and opportunities of others without expectation of recognition. His unwavering commitment to excellence, altruistic spirit, and outstanding leadership qualities are why he deserves this esteemed recognition.”
AOC 22 Group Commendations
Three volunteers have been recognised with commendations from Air Officer Commanding 22 Group.
Squadron Leader Duncan Campbell
Squadron Leader Campbell’s dedication and enthusiasm has earned widespread respect in the target rifle shooting community at both Regional and National levels. As the Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Shooting Officer since 2018, he has worked tirelessly to enable the delivery of high-quality training and coaching, ensuring his Region’s strong representation across a range of national competitions. He has continually championed live firing opportunities, mentored CFAVs, and overcome challenges to keep shooting central to the cadet experience. Duncan’s enthusiasm and perseverance have made a lasting impact, setting an inspiring example for all.
Squadron Leader James King
Squadron Leader King has delivered an exceptional transformation of adventure training across Essex Wing, turning a previously underperforming programme into a thriving, high-impact offer for cadets and volunteers. Balancing multiple roles alongside a full-time job and family commitments, he has enabled over 550 cadets to participate in paddlesport, overseen hundreds of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, and revitalised activities such as mountain biking while developing a highly skilled and qualified instructor team. By embedding professional development and integrating training opportunities, he has created lasting capability, strengthened resilience, and broadened access to nationally recognised qualifications. His vision, leadership, and sustained commitment have not only expanded opportunity at scale but set a benchmark for excellence across the Wing and beyond.
Flying Officer Bethany Lee
Flying Officer Lee has delivered a remarkable transformation of road marching within Essex Wing, revitalising an activity that had been absent for over 15 years and rapidly establishing it as a thriving, sustainable programme. Balancing multiple demanding roles alongside a full-time job, she has created 485 cadet participation opportunities through 18 events, overseen the award of over 140 badges in a single year, and developed 14 qualified Road Marching Team Leaders, empowering units to deliver training independently. From leading cadets at national events to enabling Essex Wing’s first Nijmegen team in over a decade, her vision, drive, and collaborative leadership have redefined opportunity for cadets and volunteers alike, setting a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrating the exceptional impact of dedicated volunteer service.
National Air and Space Camp
In addition, the National Air and Space Camp team have been awarded a Team Commendation by AOC 22 Group. The week long camp, which has been running for over 10 years, is the flagship event of the summer, delivering aviation, space, cyber and STEM training to over 400 cadets. In recent years an industry day has been added, with many more cadets from across the country joining to engage with industry partners.