An aspirational air cadet Flying Officer has been honoured at an award ceremony in Yorkshire for his volunteer work.
Tom Sugden, 29-years-old, is a control engineer for the region’s largest electricity distribution operator, Northern Powergrid, by day.
But by night, Tom is inspiring young people to put themselves out there and build their confidence whilst taking on exciting challenges in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Tom, from Brough near Hull, joined the Air Cadets when he was just 13 looking for something to keep him busy outside of school.
Little did he know he would fall in love with the organisation, spending an incredible seven years as a cadet, gaining skills and life experience he couldn’t find elsewhere.
Tom was keen to keep being involved even after his role as a cadet came to an end, but this time he was taking on a new challenge – as a cadet force adult volunteer.
He has spent the last eight years outside of his day job with numerous responsibilities and appointments, developing both cadet and staff opportunities in the Central and East Yorkshire area.
And it’s for this dedication and selflessness that Tom was nominated for a highly prestigious Lord Lieutenant’s Award for 2024.
And in late September, Tom was honoured in a ceremony at 150 Regiment the Royal Logistic Corps’ base at Middleton Barracks in Hull.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr James Dick OBE, officially presented the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards to individuals for exceptional commitment to services in the cadet and reserve forces.
Today (Thursday) Tom is reflecting on his time with the cadets and encouraging more people to get out and volunteer in their local communities.
He said “During my time with the Air Cadets, I’ve had so many opportunities to learn, take part in a range of activities, develop my communications skills, and grow my confidence.
“I’ve been at a few different units, doing a number of roles, but now I spend a lot of time supporting other adults to gain qualifications and experiences to help improve the opportunities for the cadets, and I feel like I’m really making a difference.
“Northern Powergrid has been so supportive of my role at the air cadets, giving me time to go on training camps, it really means a lot to me.
“This award is fantastic, I never thought I would be recognised in this way, and it means so much to me that the people in my unit think of me so highly.
“It was a lovely evening; I went with my boss and his boss came and so did his boss – there were quite a few high-ranking military officials there, so it made it more special.
“The Air Cadets really did have a big impact on my life all those years ago and I just hope that the work I do does the same for someone else, and I want to see more people get involved and enjoy it too.”
Speaking about the event, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr James Dick OBE, says:
“Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Lord Lieutenant’s Awards. It is with great pleasure and pride to recognise their outstanding contributions that have made a significant impact in our reserves and cadet forces.
“Their remarkable dedication and commitment embody the spirit of service and excellence.
“Thank you for your extraordinary work and for making a difference in the lives of those in your communities.”
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