The Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Award celebrates Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of cadets through challenge and adventure.
This new award recognises volunteers who plan and deliver cadet expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, highlighting both the benefits to the young people who take part and the positive impact these experiences have on their units and communities.
Recipients of the award demonstrate:
* Initiative and enthusiasm in inspiring young people through adventure.
* Planning ability and leadership in organising safe, ambitious expeditions.
* Determination and commitment in providing life-changing opportunities for cadets.
Their achievements reflect great credit upon the individual, their unit, and all the Cadet Forces, and are formally commended by The Ulysses Trust.
Supporting those who make adventure possible
The Ulysses Trust is proud to recognise the dedication of CFAVs who give their time, energy, and expertise to create transformative opportunities for cadets across the UK. Their efforts ensure that thousands of young people can grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership through adventure training and expedition experiences.
The awards are presented the year after the expedition took place – therefore the 2024 awards were presented at various events in 2025 – see below for details of some of the awards presented so far.
A huge thank you to all the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who continue to inspire, mentor, and support the next generation through challenge and adventure.
🏅 2024 Award Recipients – Presented in 2025
Maddy Brown Formerly of Barnsley Sea Cadets
📍 Expedition: Boating Expedition 2024
🎖️ Presented by: The Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE
📅 Presented: 09 October 2025
Alex Gray, SI, DI D RHF Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion ACF
📍 Expedition: Venturer Malta Dive 2024
🎖️ Presented by: Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets
📅 Presented: 22 July 2025
Flt Lt Dave Hill Derbyshire Sector RAF Air Cadets
📍 Expedition: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2024
🎖️ Presented by: Brigadier Tim Seal TD DL VR, Chair of The Ulysses Trust
📅 Presented: 10 September 2025
Flt Lt M. Neate 1329 (Ripon) & 2124 (Starbeck) Squadrons RAF Air Cadets
📍 Expedition: Alpine Adventure 2024 (Resubmission)
🎖️ Presented by: Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset
📅 Presented: 24 September 2025
Captain Kevin Found Devon Army Cadet Force
📍 Expedition: Pellew Splash 24-00 (2024 Resubmission)
🎖️ Presented by: Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE DL
📅 Presented: 02 October 2025
Lt Col E. Fairnington Matravers Combined Cadet Force
📍 Expedition: Venturer Matravers Schwarzsee 2024
🎖️ Presented by: Colonel Rex Stephenson CBE, The Ulysses Trust
📅 Presented: 14 October 2025
The Ulysses Trust extends sincere thanks to all Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to help young people thrive through challenge and adventure.
Your leadership makes extraordinary experiences possible.
Also many thanks to all the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCA) across the UK who enable us to present these awards at their prestigious regional and county events – thank you!