A London Army Cadet has won the Best Community Service Cadet Award, an award which aims to recognise the outstanding contributions of a Cadet who has demonstrated exceptional community service. The winner of the award would go on to take the salute at the Brigade Major’s Review, a prestigious honour granted as part of the King’s Birthday Parade (KBP).
The winner of the award was Cdt CSgt Elisa Gjoka from 45 Cadet Detachment, City of London and North East Sector, Army Cadet Force (ACF). Cdt CSgt Gjoka has served for 4 years in the ACF, quickly passing her basic training, and over the last few years has completed the Army Cadet Syllabus, culminating with 4 Star achievement earlier this year. Separately, she is a keen musician and has achieved the ACF Army Proficiency Certificate (Music) 3 Star with the Corps of Drums and has so far reached the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In November 2024, she was awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development in the Community. Cdt CSgt Gjoka is a keen sportsperson, particularly swimming, running and football. In true ACF fashion, she has two younger brothers, who are both Cdt LCpls in the ACF.
Cdt CSgt Gjoka succeeded in a strong field of candidates from the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force.
Cdt CSgt Gjoka was invited to Horse Guards along with her mother, Detachment Commander, and Training Officer on the morning of the Brigade Major’s Review. She was awarded the Best Community Service Cadet Award by the DComd HQ London District, Brigadier Cates. This was followed by a tour of Horse Guards and a brief drill lesson and ‘ceremonial briefing,’ both delivered by CSgt Colin Fiddy of the Engagement Team who acted as Cdt CSgt Gjoka’s guide throughout the day.
Following a brief from the Garrison Sergeant Major Cdt CSgt Gjoka took her place on the saluting dais where she admirably took the salute.
Her mother after the occasion could not hide her pride in her daughter on her achievement and the events on the morning. After the parade was over on being asked how she felt the day had gone, Cdt CSgt Gjoka replied, ‘’thank you so much for everything, I have had an amazing day, nothing can top that in my cadet career!”
The Army Cadets is a free national youth organisation, aiming to provide young people aged between 12 and 18, with opportunities to develop personal skills, self-confidence and educational opportunities through a variety of activities. Within the Army Cadets curriculum, the young people learn first aid, survival skills, physical fitness, along with opportunities to travel and gain valuable qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and BTEC diplomas.
