When Flight Lieutenant Matthew Wehrle recently returned to the National Air and Space Camp as a Chinook Role Demo Captain, it marked a proud moment in a remarkable RAF career. For one RAFAC volunteer, it was also a powerful reminder of why volunteering matters.
More than 20 years ago, Squadron Leader Lisa Diccox joined The Judd School in Tonbridge as a Design and Technology teacher. During her first year, she noticed the school's Head of Music leading more than 50 cadets every Friday evening as part of the school's CCF RAF Section. Offering to stay behind and help seemed like a small gesture at the time, but it would prove to be the beginning of an incredible journey.
Commissioned in January 2003, Lisa has gone on to serve in a wide variety of roles across the organisation. From commanding the RAF Section at The Judd School CCF and qualifying as a First Aid Trainer, to leading cadets at regional and national competitions, supporting annual camps and becoming one of the first CCF Officers to escort cadets on an International Air Cadet Exchange visit to the USA, her volunteer service has been filled with memorable opportunities.
Today, she continues to support the organisation as Education, Training and Development Lead on the Accreditation Team and has been part of the National Air and Space Camp management team for the past nine years. Yet, despite the camps, qualifications and leadership appointments, Lisa says the most rewarding part of volunteering has always been seeing former cadets flourish in their chosen careers. One of those cadets is Matthew Wehrle.
Matthew joined the RAF Section after encouragement from Lisa, who recognised his potential and believed the cadet experience would provide opportunities for him to thrive. He quickly established himself as a dedicated and conscientious cadet, rising through the ranks to Cadet Flight Sergeant. In that role, he helped train junior cadets and left a lasting legacy of strong leadership within the section.
Since leaving school, Matthew has built a successful career in the RAF and this year was appointed Chinook Role Demo Captain, a role that places him at the forefront of showcasing one of the RAF's most iconic aircraft. Returning to National Air and Space Camp in this capacity was a full-circle moment, demonstrating the lasting impact of the cadet experience and the opportunities it can help unlock.
For Lisa, seeing former cadets such as Matthew succeed is what volunteering is all about. Whether they go on to serve in the Armed Forces, work with industry partners, become commercial pilots or pursue careers entirely outside aviation, many former cadets credit the confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork skills they developed through their cadet experience as key factors in their success.
As we look back on National Cadets Week 2026, Lisa's story highlights the impact that volunteers have on the lives of young people every day. It also serves as a reminder that a simple decision to get involved can create opportunities, inspire ambition and help shape the next generation of leaders.
"It has been a huge privilege to experience so many opportunities and support so many amazing young people to develop their skills. The greatest reward is seeing former cadets succeed and knowing that, in some small way, you helped them on that journey. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to consider getting involved with their local Squadron or CCF."
Contingents, Cadets & CFAVs – you can share your story with us via [email protected]
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