So the Kings Birthday honours are out and once again ONE person only deemed worthy of a State award although nice to see they have reverted to MBE rather than BEM (I’d be proper hacked off to have received a lesser award.
We must all work harder to get some recognition!
There surely can’t be 1 person on this whole organisation surely that’s worthy…..?
TBH Sqn Ldr Hughes MBE is very well deserved
Although nice to see the NASC people getting recognition as well and the other people with an AOC 22 Cert……. at least…
Anyone that get anything here is by definition (usually) well deserving….
It’s again worth mentioning that even though it’s one, it’s still a strong representation at national level.
I agree that I’d like to see more people recognised at a level appropriate to their volunteer efforts, but the national honours list is necessarily highly restrictive. It’s just the way it is.
Speaking to the people that co-ordinate all the honours awards, you would be surprised how little nominations they get even for the lower grade stuff.
Anyone can nominate…
It is certainly true that not only can it be difficult for people to know when someone has hit the intended mark for a certain level of award, the higher level stuff can be really involved and you don’t get feedback.
I’ve tried for people a few times and really put the time in, had them checked etc, but it’s not really possible to know why it didn’t succeed.
If everyone made a point of making a nomination for someone every year, it’d have a huge impact though.
When I’m done with my studies in a few weeks, I might try to make an AI prompt to guide people through the process in a secure, GDPR-compliant way.
Half the time it’s just because it seems really overwhelming and people need inspiration before they can commit.
I’ve also met quite a few people over the years who don’t nominate because they themselves feel they’ve been passed over.
You’ve got to be the change you want to see!
Worth reading the article put out by HQ.
One thing that really jumps out about this nomination is how well evidenced his impact is.
When it comes to nominations, evidence really matters and you can’t argue with:
X squadrons, X DofE, X camps etc…
The impact and the drive that Graeme has had over his time in the Corps has been exceptional.
Many times I’ve phoned for advice and support. May not have seen eye to eye everytime, but I can not think of a better person to receive this.
There is a strong connection with the Masons. If you ain’t in that you are far less likely to receive an award. I wonder how many RAFAC state awards are males versue female? Every MBE and BEM I know of though the Corps are Masons and several of them retired Police. Coincidental maybe…
Wow, that’s a strong comment to make.
Masons and misogyny in the organisation!!
A very impressive haul!
Just like the gold ol’ days of fly past hot seating! So happy for them!
Very lucky - I know someone who was on the Rivet Joint today - but no pax allowed on that baby! 
That’s incredible. To say I’m jealous would be an understatement. What a great opportunity.
Surely Vespina could take a fair few cadets? And the C17 and atlas?
So during my tenure I have submitted a successful MBE nomination (at third attempt!!) two unsuccessful MBE but both ended with CAS commendations. And a number of Lord Lieutenants awards. So not a bad strike rate. For me however I have had absolutely nil recognition and that does grip me after 33 years of loyal service. I know we all do it for the love and not awards however I was hoping that one day someone may take the same time and effort I personally have to recognise someone. I will say that Graeme Hughes is absolutely worthy of his MBE and I am very happy to see him be recognised. The ACF are still kicking our arses when submitting staff for honours and awards and being successful at it though. I had proposed locally a Wing H&A board a long time ago to identify those staff who may have enough evidence to submit to get them over the line and to get the wording right to try and get the best chance of success. There is a gap here I feel in the MS of the RAFAC volunteer and we could and should do better.
