Among the many well deserved awards on this year's New Year's Honours list, was Lt Col Jim Bain, Contingent Commander at George Heriot’s School CCF in Edinburgh.
He was awarded an MBE under the Army awards for his service to the Combined Cadet Force.
Jim has been involved with the CCF for more than 25 years, joining the school in 1992 following an Army career spanning 23 years.
His colleagues say that his contribution at George Heriot’s has been monumental and it is his determination to set the highest standards, his selfless commitment and loyalty which sets him apart.
Captain Malcolm Hawkins, Training Officer at George Heriot’s School CCF, said: “He has a natural ability to get the best from people, in particular young people, and has been excellent in building self-esteem and self-confidence in the cadets in his charge as well as equipping them with valuable life lessons.
“He has been a constant source of inspiration for all and has led the contingent to many successes at annual camps, Bisley and at Brigade level competitions, giving up huge amounts of his spare time to accommodate such activities for the cadets both in Scotland and further afield.
“He has a sound understanding of the fact that the organisation is not just about the military but also about instilling a set of values into each and every cadet. These are values which he has placed importance on throughout his life and he has been dogged in his determination to ensure that things such as leadership, integrity, discipline, respect and courage are adhered to within his contingent.”
Malcolm added: “Many cadets have gone on to become successful young Officers within the military but, most notably, all have gone forward with a set of important life skills and a whole lot of good memories.”
Jim found out about his award on Boxing Day and was shocked but deeply honoured to find out that colleagues from his past and present were involved in his nomination.
Jim said: “To be honest, I don’t know why I was nominated but this is something that I am very proud of and feel lucky to have received. I always try to do everything to the best of my ability and I’m always 100% committed. I love working with young people. This job enables that and I gain great satisfaction from it.”
The contingent currently has 121 cadets and Jim oversees all training and activities.
On what the MBE means to him, Jims said: “It means that the work I have done over nearly 50 years in uniform has been recognised. The CCF is a very important youth organisation, which, I feel, gives young people valuable life skills and helps them prepare for adulthood, whichever direction they take when leaving school.”
The investiture will take place in the coming months and Jim plans to take his wife and children with him for the special ceremony.
Jim was one of more than a thousand people recognised for their services to the UK in the Queen's New Year Honours list.
In celebrating those who received honours this year on the military division of the list, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our Armed Forces are the best in the world, and the men and women receiving honours have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their diligence and dedication in the line of service has been unwavering.”
The full list of awards and the military division of the list is now available along with details on how to nominate people for the 2019 New Year Honours list.
