Our Chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Nick Kurth, attended an Aviation Focus Group (AFG) lunch at the RAF Club yesterday. Earlier in the year the AFG made a generous donation to The Ulysses Trust. One of the expeditions supported by this donation was an Air Cadet expedition (Ex: Big Lakes 2022) undertaken by 282 (East Ham) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Photo: AVM Kurth (Chair of the Ulysses Trust), Fg Off Shirley and Cadet Sgt Nistor (282 (East Ham) ATC Sqn) and AVM Bell (Chair of AFG)
Following the successful completion of the Ex: Big Lakes 2022, the AFG invited our Chairman and two of its participants, Cadet Sgt Iustin Nistor and Flying Officer Michael Shirley RAFAC to attend a luncheon.
During the proceedings, Iustin gave a short presentation about the expedition experience and how it benefitted him as a participant as well as the impact on the unit and the wider benefits to society.
AVM Nick Kurth commented, “Iustin gave an excellent presentation to over 100 members of the AFG on his expedition supported by the Ulysses Trust and AFG – and he did 282 (East Ham) ATC Sqn a great credit. Without question, he covered the main details of the trip, thanked the Trust and AFG, and included humour as well!
“It should not be lost that subsequently Iustin was publicly praised in speeches by both the President of the AFG, ACM Sir Andy Pulford (ex-CAS) and the main guest at the lunch, Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew (ex-D Comm Ops). A job very well done I think.
“The Trust is always keen to showcase its work and the impact our support has on the lives of young cadets. Whenever possible we try to arrange speaking opportunities for those cadets we have supported. Not only is this a great way to hear more about the expedition experience, it also gives a rare opportunity for those cadets to undertake a new challenge – public speaking! It was wonderful to hear Iustin speak about his time in the Lakes and how he and his fellow cadets benefitted from the expedition experience.”
The AFG luncheon took place on 1 December 2021 at the RAF Club at 128 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7PY.
The Ulysses Trust wishes to thank the generosity of the Aviation Focus Group for supporting this expedition and for inviting us to attend this event.