Stratford Sea Cadets are delighted to announce that PO Scott Brazier has been appointed as second-in-command at the unit. He replaces Lt Neil Hanson as First Lieutenant, who has stepped down due to ongoing work commitments.
Commanding Officer, Lt Roger Edmunds says ‘We are obviously sad that Lt Hanson is no longer able to fulfil this role and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his hard work and commitment over the years. We are however very fortunate to have someone such as PO Brazier to step up into this role.’
Scott has been involved with the Sea Cadet Corp since childhood. ‘I joined the Corps in Kettering when I was 12 with the view to joining the Royal Navy when I left school. Cadets gripped me in a way that school never could - I loved every second of it!’ He says.
He proved to be a very successful cadet achieving Cadet PO rank and also became the Lord Lieutenants Cadet. Sadly, the Royal Navy were not recruiting due to cutbacks but he remained as an adult volunteer with Sea Cadets until he was 23, when he left thinking he'd done all that he wanted to. However 10 years later he heard that Leamington unit desperately need staff to remain open.
‘I went to see what was happening and before I knew it I was back in,’ he says. ‘I love giving back what someone gave to me. Seeing a cadet stand just a little bit taller after a parade, walk with purpose into a competition or take pride in themselves, gives me a real buzz.’
PO Brazier has been at Stratford Sea Cadets for two years as a member of staff. ‘Being an adult volunteer in the Corps opens up a new world to people - new skills, people, places and experiences - things you just can't do anywhere else, and all while making a difference to someone’s life.’ He says.
PO Brazier was asked what he would like to achieve in his new role. He hopes to help the unit run better and smoother. ‘I will be at the sharp end and will really getting to know how the whole unit works. Hopefully I will be able to have some influence with my own ideas. I would love Stratford Unit to be a force within the district not just the poor relative. That's enough of a challenge for now! Ask me that again in 12 months.
But most importantly, when I was a cadet, all innocent and wet behind the ears, my CO was an awesome, inspirational guy. He was our world and we'd follow him everywhere - not because he ordered us to, but because he showed us how to do it well. If I can make a handful of cadets feel the same in my career, I will be well chuffed!’
