The ceremony on Tuesday 6th January, led by Contingent Commander Stephen Hoare, celebrated cadet achievement through the presentation of numerous badges, promotions and awards. Key honours included Cdt LCpl Vesper Kaufmann as Most Outstanding Recruit, Cdt LCpl Jake Tash as Outstanding Cadet, and Cdt LCpl Charlotte Aboody alongside Cdt LCoH Melissa, who were jointly awarded the Max Karo Trophy for Most Improved Cadets.
Presentations were made by AJEX Chair Jon Tyler, Honorary President Mike Bluestone, Colonel Martin Newman, Honorary Colonel of the JFS/JCoSS CCF, Rabbi Nir Nadav, Lieutenant Commander Jon Littman and Lieutenant Colonel Simon Soskin.
AJEX Vice Chair, Josh Dennis and Honorary President, Mike Bluestone addressed the Cadets, commending them for their commitment, leadership and positive influence on others and thanking senior leadership and adult volunteers for their continued support. Cdt SCpl Harry Gordon shared what being a Cadet means to him with a Jewish identity, delivering a heartfelt and moving reflection.
Fiona Palmer, Chief Executive of AJEX, said: “The dedication, resilience and leadership shown by these Cadets is truly inspiring. The CCF provides young people with skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives and AJEX is proud to support and recognise their achievements”.
Josh Dennis, Deputy Chair of AJEX, added: “Having worked with the Combined Cadet Force at JFS and JCoSS as a Service Helper for the last two years, it is wonderful to see the Cadets continuing to grow and become young adults. Their dedication and a commitment are an inspiration to us all. In addition, the tireless work of the CCF staff volunteers is exceptional without which the activities would not be able to run anywhere near the high standard that they do”.
Sponsored by AJEX, the Max Karo Trophy recognises the Cadet who demonstrates outstanding determination and progress. This year it was awarded to two recipients, Cdt LCpl Charlotte Aboody, and Cdt LCoH Melissa Boyd for their exceptional application and commitment to developing their skills. Max Caro was a Royal Fusilier and First World War veteran who became a long-serving leader of the City of London Army Cadet Force. He founded the Stock Exchange Cadet Company in 1926 and was awarded the MBE in 1945 for services to Army Cadets.
The CCF offers a wide-ranging programme designed to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork and confidence. Cadets take part in military training, adventure training, STEM activities, first aid, fieldcraft and residential camps, alongside ceremonial events including AJEX Remembrance services at the Cenotaph and the National Memorial Arboretum. This term, 46 new cadets will be joining from JFS and JCoSS and AJEX looks forward to welcoming them at future events.
Lt Rebecca Roebuck presented Star and MOI badges and was thanked by all present for her dedication and commitment to the success of the CCF. Both Mike Bluestone and Josh Dennis highlighted the lasting benefits of the CCF in building confidence, teamwork and public-speaking skills and Josh shared his experience as a former Cadet.
