Zak does his squadron proud thanks to ultimate honour

An RAF Air Cadet from 2200 (Oldham) Squadron has received a top honour from Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant.

Cadet Warrant Officer Zak Warburton, aged 19, has been appointed as the Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet as recognition of his exemplary meritorious service to the Air Training Corps over the past six years.

Zak, a former pupil of Blue Coat School, has soared high throughout his Cadet Service; amongst other achievements he has completed two BTEC and First Aid Qualifications, qualified as an Instructor Cadet and achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

This year, Zak has also been chosen from thousands of other Air Cadets to travel to Belgium as part of the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), where he will represent the RAF Air Cadets overseas. 

His citation for his appointment read: “Cadet Warrant Officer Warburton is a shining example to his fellow cadets and and excellent role model for the next generation.” 

Zak fought off competition from hundreds of candidates from the other Cadet Forces to achieve this accolade, which was presented to him at Gorton Monastery by HM Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Warren Smith KStJ JP.

The Lord-Lieutenant is the British monarch's personal representative in each county of the United Kingdom. 

As the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Zak will attend high profile events and support the Lord Lieutenant as he meets royalty and dignitaries that he welcomes to the county.

He will begin his term of Office as Lord-Lieutenants Cadet in September, 2018.

This is not the first significant award Zak has received this year.

In May, he was honoured by the Royal Humane Society for his lifesaving actions during the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May, 2017, when he used his first aid skills gained through being an Air Cadet to provide care to those involved in the tragedy.

Witnessing the appointment was Officer Commanding 2200 Squadron, Flying Officer Joe Lord, who said: “To be appointed as Lord Lieutenants Cadet is one of the highest, most prestigious honours any Cadet can achieve.

"There is no one more deserving of this than Zak for the service he has given to Oldham Squadron and the Air Training Corps.

"He is the first Cadet from Oldham Squadron to become the Lord Lt’s Cadet and the Squadron and I are exceptionally proud of him.” 

The Air Training Corps, or RAF Air Cadets, is a uniformed Cadet Organisation for young people aged 12-17, which aims to give teenagers skills that will be useful in later life whilst having fun and fostering a spirit of teamwork and adventure. 

As Air Cadets, young people have the opportunity to gain formal Qualifications such as Level 2 B-TECs, completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, flying, shooting and much more.

If you’re interested in joining Oldham Air Cadets you can contact the Officer Commanding on 0161 624 1937 or email: oc.2200@aircadets.org