Tuesday 14 th October 2008 saw the “retirement” of 487 Sqn’s first female CWO Gemma Walden. Gemma who is now 20, leaves the ATC; however, it’s not for good!

Gemma joined the ATC in 2001 and over the years she has given great support to the Kingstanding Squadron. She has attended numerous annual camps in the UK along with an overseas camp in Cyprus. Gemma has also laid the wreath on behalf of the Warwick and Birmingham Wing at the annual Remembrance parade in Birmingham City Centre for the past three years.

However, it’s her work on the Sqn for which she will best remembered. 487 Sqn has always had a good number of cadets on parade at anyone time and in recent years the number of cadets has grown, and Gemma has been at the forefront of organising each parade night in order that everybody, including the staff, knows what they are doing!

Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, OC 487 Sqn commented “Gemma has been a rock in the Sqn for the past 6 years and she will be missed by all. Cadets don’t often seen the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that all are trained correctly and events are organised properly, but Gemma has helped all members of staff in ensuring that the training plan is delivered”

Sgt Sarah Cotton ATC, presented Gemma with three pictures as a memento of her service within the Sqn. The main picture showed the whole Sqn on parade, and the other two pictures showed her at the top of Snowdon (Yes, she did get up there!).

CWO Gemma Walden is however, not lost to the ATC. Gemma has passed her wing commissioning board, and she is now awaiting the date for her regional board, so good luck to her. Gemma has now moved from 487 Sqn to 489 Sqn, they have obviously gained a great asset!