On Thursday the 28 th July 2011 Cadets, Staff and Civilian Committee were on hand to greet an ex Cadet who had achieved something no other Cadet from 2028 Squadron could possibly have dreamed of, he had joined the world famous Royal Air Force Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team.

Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging or ‘Red 4' as he is known to his colleagues had joined as a Cadet at 2028 Squadron back in 1991, leaving in 1997 before going on to join the Royal Air Force. He is in his first year of a three year tour with the Red Arrows which will take him all over the world.

On arriving at the Squadron ‘Red 4' was greeted by Flight Sergeant Callum Brown, the senior Cadet and introduced to the Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Moreton, who invited Flight Lieutenant Egging to a tour of the Squadron building. During his tour he met the Civilian Committee Chair, Mr Scriven and the other members of staff, together with a number of parents. He also had a surprise when ex Warrant Officer Derek Docker appeared, he had been a member of staff during the time ‘Red 4' was a Cadet at the Squadron. The press were also on hand to record the visit and do a follow up on a previous piece in May this year.

Flt Lt Egging, who turned up in his famous red flying suit, then gave the Cadets and staff a talk and presentation on the Red Arrows, emphasising how they are Ambassadors for all that is good about Britain, after which he answered as many questions as he could from the Cadets and adults. He also reminded the Cadets that joining the ATC wasn't all about going into the Armed Forces but being a good citizen and getting the best out of life and taking the opportunities it offers.

2028 Squadron like other ATC Squadrons has a small percentage of Cadets who go on to join the armed forces but recently, one has become an Officer in the Royal Navy, the Squadron Service Instructor is a Corporal in the Royal Military Police and another ex Cadet is a Staff Nurse in the Queen Alexander's Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Flt Lt Egging commented, “I cannot believe it but I was really nervous about doing this but everyone made me feel so welcome. To see the new building and compare it with where we were when I was a Cadet, it's fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight and will do my best to keep in touch with the Squadron.”

Fight Lieutenant Moreton remarked, “Very few Cadets ever actually join the armed forced on leaving the ATC but those who do go on to successful careers. To have an ex Cadet who is now a member of the world famous Red Arrows is something we are all very proud of here at 2028 Squadron. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see one of our Cadets returning as an Officer, especially in the Royal Air Force.”