The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset has awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Service to a long-serving civilian instructor at Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Air Cadets.
Jeff Jackson was presented with his certificate by the unit’s officer in charge, WO David Mayhew, as pictured here, on Thursday (October 7th) in recognition of his work over the past decade.
A retired senior Royal Air Force officer, civilian instructor Jeff Jackson joined 290 Burnham and Highbridge detached flight in 2011.
His citation states that since then, Jeff has excelled in every task asked of him, including the role of Squadron Training Officer.
“He has developed and Delivered a varied and dynamic training programme, ensuring that cadets receive a balance of aviation and academic training. Being cognizant of the differing learning styles of cadets, he single handedly created additional training materials on DVD, to supplement classroom training. It is down to his dedication and application that cadets are now achieving consistently high results in their exams.”
“To increase flying opportunities and improve airmanship skills for the detached flight and its parent unit, Jeff fundraised a suite of 10 flight simulators which enabled cadets to become familiar with aircraft controls, airfields layouts, take off and landing procedures plus air to ground communications.”
“Jeff Has also written numerous successful applications for funding, resulting in financial support from Hinckley point and the Tesco bags of help scheme amongst others. This funding is enabled Jeff to upgrade the units computer systems an flight simulators as well as providing additional training equipment.”
“In 2013, Jeff volunteered to take responsibility for the 290 Burnham and Highbridge detached flight and kept the unit operational over a year whilst a new officer in command could be found. Had he not done so, the unit may have folded. For his commitment and determination, Jeff has been awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service.”
Jeff says he is “honoured and delighted” to have received the award.
