My name is Kieran Elsey, I’m 17 years-old and at the time of writing I am the Cadet Staff Sergeant, Senior Cadet of the Cherry Willingham Detachment in Number 1 Company Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force.
Between 2022 and 2023, I had the honour of being HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Mr Toby Dennis’ Army Cadet.
How it started
At the beginning of my journey I was only a Corporal. Just before Annual Camp in 2022 my Company Officer Commanding (OC) sat me down and discussed the position of the ‘Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet’.
She proceeded to ask me if I would like to be put forward to possibly become the Lord-Lieutenant’s Army Cadet for 2022 to 2023. As a Corporal at the time I was slowly getting used to the senior style and I believed this would be the perfect opportunity to put myself out there, so I agreed to be put forward.
‘One of the best feelings I have ever had’
During our 2022 Annual Camp at Swynnerton, Staffordshire, myself and two other Cadets were given times and locations for an interview for the position. The interview began with me walking into the room, saluting and sitting down.
The interview was performed by the Commandant of Lincolnshire Army Cadets, Colonel Sackree, and Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Maguire. The interview proceeded with a wide range of questions ranging from personal life, Cadet life and if I was aware of who the Lord-Lieutenant was and what his job is. I feel I answered the questions well. Combined with the reference my OC had put forward about me, I was full of confidence.
We were told to meet at the Colonel's office bright and early the next morning. This is when he would announce which one of us would be selected to be the Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet.
We stood in separate corners. Sir began by explaining that he made his decision based on how we acted, our confidence and experience. That's when he announced: ‘I have decided to choose Kieran.’.
It was honestly one of the best feelings I have ever had, I was filled with joy and pride. Of course I thanked Sir and discussed it with the other Cadets who were put forward. I congratulated them on being put forward and wished them luck for their futures. It was a great day.
The ceremony
Soon after I was promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant came the night of the inauguration, 20th October, 2022. My predecessor, Cadet Sergeant Major Alex Webber, 4 Company, was there to pass down the role to me.
The ceremony included Officers in Command of Army Cadet Forces, Sea Cadet Corps, Combined Cadet Forces and Air Training Corps from the area, all who gave a brief description and inside knowledge of their Cadet.
This is when the Lord-Lieutenant himself presented me with my badge and certificate. There was also a presentation from past Lord-Lieutenant Cadets on what they did during their year. After a photo shoot, I had time to visit Cadets at my Detachment in Cherry Willingham, who all congratulated me. It was a great night.
Remembrance
When myself and the other Lord-Lieutenant Cadets attended the Remembrance parade, we begun by standing in a line. One of us opened Mr Dennis’ car door and we all stood back and saluted him. We greeted Sir, he asked how we are and welcomed us to our very first duty as Lord-Lieutenants Cadets for the year. We had reserved seats in front of the service at London Cathedral, which gave us a great view. I felt so important at that moment. I was able to read a passage too, which felt great.
Carol service
On Christmas Eve there was a Christmas carol service being held at Lincoln Cathedral to really drive home the Christmas spirit. The Lord-Lieutenant was invited to this joyous occasion so we were able to attend with him. As a collective we decided to come together and bought him a nice bottle of port to celebrate the occasion. I felt honoured.
Coronation
On 30th April, 2023, Mr Dennis held his own service in the grand Lincoln Cathedral to celebrate and support the Coronation of our great King Charles III. I was slightly nervous at the beginning as the service was very important and my very first event as a Cadet Staff Sergeant. The service itself had so much, I felt important and highly honoured that Sir wanted us to attend with him. We were also joined by a Sergeant from an entirely different county. He seemed pretty sweet. The service was so professional.