Hollywood Monster Staff on Parade

By Brad Davies

July 4th 2016

On Sunday 3rd July, two of our staff switched business attire for the uniform of the Royal Air Force as they attended their annual Field Training day competitions and parade at MOD Stafford.

Our Quality Systems Manager, aka Flight Lieutenant Ian Halford Officer Commanding 481 (West Bromwich) Squadron and our Business Manager, aka Flight Lieutenant Chris Kelly Officer Commanding 1206 (Mercian) Squadron in Lichfield, both volunteer their time outside of work as Officers in the Air Training Corps (ATC).

The ATC which is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary this year, is a youth organisation that is sponsored by the RAF and has over 40,000 cadets aged 12 – 20 across the UK. Whilst many cadets go on to serve in the Armed Forces, the skills and experiences gained through membership provide an excellent grounding for a successful civilian career and often puts them ahead of their peers in job interviews.

This year the field day saw nearly 1000 cadets and staff from 31 Squadrons across Staffordshire come together to compete in drill, shooting, aircraft recognition, aircraft modelling, first aid and radio communications. The day culminated in a spectacular parade led by the Wing band and reviewed by Group Captain John Middleton of the No.2 Flying Training School at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire.

Flight Lieutenant Kelly and Business Manager of Hollywood Monster said “whilst I am always proud to put on my uniform, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the dedication, commitment and turnout of the young men and women I have the privilege to work with. I owe so much to the ATC in establishing my career; many of the skills such as leadership, communication, organisation, initiative and teamwork are all attributed to my time as a Cadet and Officer and I am equally thankful of Hollywood Monster for supporting me in what I do”