Captain Gary Swinchin-Rew has been awarded a General Officer Commanding (GOC) Regional Command Commendation in recognition of his exceptional commitment to the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and his lasting impact on hundreds of young people over the past decade.
Serving as the Contingent Commander of the Southborough High School section of St John’s School Leatherhead’s CCF, Captain Swinchin-Rew has dedicated himself to providing cadets with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork through the CCF experience.
A decade of dedicated service
Captain Swinchin-Rew became involved with the Combined Cadet Force in 2014 when Southborough High School joined the Cadet Expansion Programme, partnering with the established contingent at St John’s School Leatherhead. When the opportunity was presented to school staff, he was the first to volunteer and has remained at the heart of the contingent ever since.
For more than ten years, he has led the Southborough contingent with enthusiasm, professionalism and unwavering commitment, supporting between 25 and 30 cadets each year from Year 10 through to Year 13.
His dedication extends far beyond weekly parade nights. He recruits new cadets, with a particular focus on identifying young people who would benefit most from the opportunities the CCF provides. Every week, he organises and transports cadets to St John’s School, ensuring they can fully participate in training and activities.
Captain Swinchin-Rew also works closely with the St John’s contingent staff, manages Southborough’s Adult Volunteers, undertakes additional professional training and organises activities both at Southborough High School and alongside the wider St John’s contingent.
