Sandhurst honours Karen for her voluntary efforts

Oct 23 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A VOLUNTEER has been rewarded for her work in the community at a special ceremony.

Karen Cassidy from Livingston Village, was recognised for her achievements at the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

A captain with Lothian and Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force, Karen has gained a graduateship in Youth Management and Training through CVQO.

Karen received her award from Admiral the Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC DUniv, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Security and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CVQO.

She has been involved with Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Force for over 16 years, initially providing first aid training while she was with the St Andrew’s Ambulance.

Now working part time for Napier University in the medical library and freelancing in instructing and assessing first aid, Karen believes her best cadet experience so far is gaining her graduateship.

And she has inspired her husband, who has now decided to enrol on the Graduateship Award.

Captain Cassidy is one of 82 adult volunteers from the Ministry of Defence’s sponsored Cadet Forces across the United Kingdom to graduate with internationally-recognised awards from City & Guilds through CVQO this year.

Successful completion of these awards recognises at least five years of professional development and managerial experience.