Probationary Instructor (PI) Doug Stuart has received a personal thanks from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM for his work promoting the ACF.
Doug only joined Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force in 2019, looking to inspire to achieve. In January of 2020 he was appointed as the County Public Relations Officer, tasked with building a positive reputation for the ACF and promoting everything that it does. With twenty years in the photography industry, including running his own business, Doug’s extensive range of experience made him a natural choice for the role, allowing him to utilise his unique skillset to support the ACF.
Card sent to PI Stuart by HM Lord Lieutenant. picture; PI Stuart
During face-to-face training and since lockdown, PI Stuart has worked tirelessly to photograph events, engage with the media and generally publicise the work of Cambridgeshire ACF and the cadets and CFAVs within it.
The Lord Lieutenant recognised his work to promote the ACF and keep the flame alive by describing it as exemplary, adding that it was “much needed and much appreciated”.
Upon receiving the note of thanks Doug said, “I was delighted to receive my card from The Lord Lieutenant. I have found my first nineteen months with Cambs ACF to be a great experience, in spite of the pandemic. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and I have been inspired by our incredible cadets and adults, seeing first-hand what a difference the ACF makes to people’s lives. This is a hugely important and worthwhile organisation, and it’s a privilege to tell people about the great work we do.”
Picture; PI Stuart
Commandant of Cambs ACF, Colonel Adam Fraser-Hitchen, said “It comes as no surprise at all that Doug’s efforts have been recognised. Doug has added real value to our ACF from the very beginning of his service. He is central to our virtual communication and in supporting my public recognition of the great things that our cadets and adults are doing in Cambs ACF. We’re delighted to have Doug in our ranks!"
PI Stuart interviews Cdt Sgt Wallace, September 2020. Picture; 2Lt Houghton
In the year that Doug has been the PRO, he has produced articles covering a range of things from cadets and adults receiving community and national awards to individuals, detachments and whole companies fundraising and making donations to those in need. He has created videos to showcase events that have taken place and has highlighted efforts that have gone on to be picked up by the national press.
PI Stuart is always looking for opportunities to highlight the great work adults and cadets are doing across Cambridgeshire. If you know someone that is going above-and-beyond in any way, then you can contact him at; 2497stuar@armymail.mod.uk
Text by SI Rylan Ray
