FUNDRAISING DEDICATION EARNS
QUEEN'S AWARD

The commanding officer of 2F (Watford) was recently recognised for his long-standing commitment to fundraising for a service charity, by being included in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Flight Lieutenant Simon Cooper RAF VR(T) is to receive the Commander-In-Chief's Commendation, in recognition of his fundraising for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. Since 1991, his work has helped raise an estimated £800,000 for the charity, which supports serving and retired Royal Air Force personnel in times of need, as well as the families and dependents of the fallen.

Flt Lt Cooper's involvement with the Air Training Corps began back in 1985 when he joined 2F (Watford) Squadron as a cadet. Since that time Flt Lt Cooper has held many roles within the Air Cadet Organisation. In 1993 he began volunteering and became a Civilian Instructor, and a year later he was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, becoming a Pilot Officer.

After a stint managing Herts and Bucks Wing football team, in 1997 Simon was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer and transferred to 2409 (Halton) Squadron where, amongst other duties, he served as Squadron Training Officer. In 2001 he moved to 1166 (Welwyn Garden City) Squadron, where he was appointed Commanding Officer and promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

In 2004, he left Welwyn to take up a full-time post as Herts and Bucks Wing's Adventure Training Officer, overseeing the establishment of the Wing's first Basic Expedition Leaders Award course and setting up the Wing's successful fieldcraft training courses. Earlier this year, he returned to his roots taking up the squadron commander's post at 2F (Watford) Squadron, where he started out as a cadet 23 years ago.

Reacting to the news of his prestigious honour, Flt Lt Cooper was "stunned but overjoyed". He said: "It's a great honour to receive recognition for the work I have undertaken. But raising money for such a good cause comes with its own reward, and that is the satisfaction of knowing that it is all spent on extremely important welfare work for people who have served our country in the Royal Air Force. I would like to say a big thank you to all the cadets and staff who have made this fundraising possible over the years by coming along and taking part.”

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