A FLINTSHIRE army cadet has been handed a special award for excellence.
Cadet Sergeant Matteo Molica-Franco, from Mold/Buckley detachment, has been awarded the Jim Hewitt Trophy for Excellence for 2021.
Matteo is described as a "well-rounded, dependable cadet that puts himself forwards for all events the Army Cadet Force has to offer". He is said to be a good mentor to his fellow cadets, and is always well presented and his behaviour is of the "highest standard".
The presentation was made at the end of the Crecy Company training weekend in Kinmel Park Camp by Jim’s widow, Mrs Sandra Hewitt.
Sgt Molica-Franco has participated in a variety of cadet activities such as the Cadet Target rifle, Australia virtual exchange and is also a member of the corps of drums. He has recently passed selection for Exercise Kwazulu-Natal Ddraig the all Wales cadet expedition to South Africa in 2023.
Mold Detachment Commander, Barrie Reid, said: “I’m very proud of Matteo and the award is well deserved for all the hard work from joining as a recruit from the Mold village festival to now which included Cadet Cambrian, Cadet Target Rifle competition, the Corps of Drums and many other events.
"He is a prime example of how a cadet and NCO should hold and apply themselves.”
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Crecy Company Commander, Charlie Lloyd, added: “I am very proud of Sergeant Molica-Franco on being awarded the Jim Hewitt Award. He is exactly the type of cadet that Jim would have been proud of.”
Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadets Commandant Col Martin L Craven congratulated Matteo saying he was an inspiration to other cadets and can look forward to a successful cadet career.
The Jim Hewitt Trophy for Excellence is presented in memory of the late Major Jim Hewitt who for many years was a Cadet Executive Officer in the Army Cadet Force in North Wales. Major Hewitt lived and breathed the Cadets, encouraging young people to achieve success in life in the spirit of service to their country, their local community, and their drive to succeed.
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