Warren Cooper
Achieving the bronze, silver, and gold awards through my participation in the St John Ambulance and Army Cadet Force in the 90s gave me a focus and goals during my teens when it would have been all too easy to loose the way.
From target rifle shooting as my skill starting off on .22 getting my initial scores through to progressing to being on a shooting team and in my final year of being able to compete as a cadet winning the London District ACF shooting competition provided one of my proudest youth achievements. DofE gave a focus, I chose to keep the same skill throughout.
Going to the Alps for my gold expedition was an amazing experience. We trekked the Tour of Mont Blanc and were planning to climb the mountain but strong winds prevented safe ascent. Again with the ACF this was an amazing experience raising the funds, training, and completing the long trek has helped me throughout life to know that even when ill (never before in the field of human diaareah has so much been owed to do few capsules of immodium), tired or exhausted you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other to eventually reach your goal. It has certainly stood me in good stead for adversity later in life.
The scheme also helps your sense of service. Having been a cadet then an adult instructor in the ACF. Attending the UKLF leadership course through to returning to Frimley Park as directing staff service and leadership are attributes the scheme has helped me foster.
Now in my mid forties the scheme has given me an additional opportunity to share some experiences as an assistant scout leader and watch my son start his bronze award.
Thank you Sir, rest in peace, your continued servant
Warren Cooper
From target rifle shooting as my skill starting off on .22 getting my initial scores through to progressing to being on a shooting team and in my final year of being able to compete as a cadet winning the London District ACF shooting competition provided one of my proudest youth achievements. DofE gave a focus, I chose to keep the same skill throughout.
Going to the Alps for my gold expedition was an amazing experience. We trekked the Tour of Mont Blanc and were planning to climb the mountain but strong winds prevented safe ascent. Again with the ACF this was an amazing experience raising the funds, training, and completing the long trek has helped me throughout life to know that even when ill (never before in the field of human diaareah has so much been owed to do few capsules of immodium), tired or exhausted you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other to eventually reach your goal. It has certainly stood me in good stead for adversity later in life.
The scheme also helps your sense of service. Having been a cadet then an adult instructor in the ACF. Attending the UKLF leadership course through to returning to Frimley Park as directing staff service and leadership are attributes the scheme has helped me foster.
Now in my mid forties the scheme has given me an additional opportunity to share some experiences as an assistant scout leader and watch my son start his bronze award.
Thank you Sir, rest in peace, your continued servant
Warren Cooper
