20 November 2014
Carol Vorderman MBE has been announced as the new Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets – she becomes the first female honorary Group Captain ambassador to the organisation.
Carol said, “I’m looking forward to getting started and working closely with the 55,000-strong, uniformed, youth organisation for ‘air-minded’ 12-19 year-olds.”
“I am truly honoured to be appointed as an Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets. I can’t wait to meet the cadets, and the adult volunteer staff who give so much of their time to support them. The cadets themselves are a shining example of the best of British youngsters – standing with them on a parade square will be a great privilege.”
Carol has long been associated with RAF linked charities including the Royal Air Forces Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Bomber Command Memorial committee, leading the Salute Area in Green Park when the Queen unveiled the memorial in June 2012.
She added, “The Air Cadets is open to all and has squadrons all over the UK. Many are taught to fly gliders even before they get their driving licence. This is like coming home. I was studying for an engineering degree at Cambridge in 1978 and desperately wanted to join the RAF as a pilot, but sadly back then they wouldn’t accept women in that position, so after I graduated I went off into another life. I finally got my Private Pilot’s Licence last December.
“Things are very different now and I know a number of incredible female RAF pilots. The Air Cadets is an inspiring organisation for young people to join and the RAF is a unique family to be a part of. There will now be two of us at home who are part of the RAF in one way or another.”
Comdt Air Cadets Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty said, “We are thrilled that Carol has agreed to be our Ambassador. Her legendary mathematics skills and enthusiasm for engineering, combined with her new-found aviation expertise, will inspire our young people and promote the air cadet experience to new audiences”.
