Awards for Air Cadet Staff

Recognition for Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing of the Royal Force Air Cadets came in the military section of Queen’s Birthday Honours List, with two of our own adult volunteers being rightly awarded for their many years of service and commitment to the cadet forces in the local area.

Wing Commander David Cox MBE, FCA, MCGI

Wing Commander David Cox, Officer Commanding Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing, receives an MBE for his tireless 48 years service to the organisation.  He was commissioned into the Volunteer Reserve (Training) Branch of the Royal Air Force in 1981 and has commanded both 2146 (South East Bristol) Squadron and 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron. He proved to be an inspirational leader, encouraging his staff and cadets alike to strive for the top honours in the Corps.  As a Wing Staff Officer he has held many appointments, bringing to each of them his characteristic enthusiasm and leadership.  In November 2002 he was appointed Officer Commanding Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing, responsible for nearly 1200 cadets.  He has led many initiatives to motivate and enthuse the young people and adults under his command and has passionately guided units to offer all possible opportunities to their cadets.  Committed to reducing the administrative burden for volunteers he continually seeks to streamline processes, including designing a tool to ease the accounting workload on the civilian welfare committees, which will be adopted across the Corps. David is a successful accountant, a family man with 2 children and grandchildren. His contribution as a new, young officer was rewarded with the award of the Lord Lieutenant’s (Avon) Certificate and his long association and commitment to the Corps has earned him 4 clasps to his Cadet Forces Medal. More recently he has completed his Level 7, Master’s Degree equivalent, City & Guilds Membership in Strategic Youth Management.

Warrant Officer Brian Simmons

For his continued dedicated service Warrant Officer Brian Simmons has been awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Deputy Commander’s Commendation. With over 50 years service to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Warrant Officer Simmons is a most respected and valued member of the Wing and the South West Region, putting the needs of cadets and colleagues before his own. A warrant officer for over 42 years, Brian continues to be a key player within his Wing. He has held various appointments, including 15 years as the Wing Warrant Officer.  He is also a leading volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, adventurous training, road marching and sport within his Squadron and across the Wing. He had directly trained and supported hundreds of cadets, allowing them to partake in the Nijmegen Marches.  He had influenced and moulded hundreds of young people between the ages of 12 and 20 years into becoming useful citizens, and this has earned him the praise and respect of all who have known him. Brian is married to Alison and they 2 sons and a daughter.