Post by flyjoe180 on Apr 14, 2011 11:58:21 GMT 12
www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/have-your-say/news/reward-is-smiles-for-guiding-cadets/3947927/
Reward is smiles for guiding cadets
Alison King 13 April 2011
Tupi Hill was surprised to learn he had been nominated as a Local Hero.
He considers his role as squadron leader of 75 (Arawa) Squadron as "normal stuff".
"It's something I enjoy doing," he said.
Flying Officer Hill was nominated as volunteer of the week by Sharon Fleet, chairman of the squadron.
She said he was focussed on helping young people succeed by "helping them to become confident, responsible young citizens who are valued within their community by providing them, within a military framework, safe, enjoyable and challenging opportunities".
"Under Tupi's guidance the squadron continues to grow and also continues to give back to the community in a voluntary capacity by working with a number of other community groups."
Mr Hill was a cadet for five years from the age of 13. He returned in 2002 when his son asked about photos of him.
When his son was 13 he joined up and in 2003 Mr Hill was commissioned.
"I've not looked back. I've got my two girls there still.
"One leaves this year so that just leaves my baby in there. When people ask me how many kids I have I say I've got three of my own and 50 I've adopted."
Mr Hill ensures cadets follow the training programme and takes them through a range of sessions such as safe firearms handling and competition shooting skills, personal presentation, bush craft and first aid.
His son is now in the New Zealand Army Infantry, another former cadet is in the Navy and another in the Air Force.
"We've two more going into the Air Force next year.
I'm very proud."
This month is a busy one for the cadets. As well as their training they also help with community groups. They will be at the Rotorua Marathon, helping out at the Te Arawa Games over Easter and on Anzac Day attend three parades.
"We keep them bust so they can't get into trouble," Mr Hill jokes.
And all of this is on top of his job as a truck driver.
He said lots of people assume he gets paid for his role. "I say yeah right. The only way we get paid is when they succeed and they have a smile on their face."
He has often thought back to when he was 18 and the path his life took but said he has no regrets.
"I've thought 'why did I leave school'. I should have stayed on and joined the Army or Air Force and followed my mates. "But I don't regret it. I'm happy with my life now and I can pass on my knowledge to these kids."
Reward is smiles for guiding cadets
Alison King 13 April 2011
Tupi Hill was surprised to learn he had been nominated as a Local Hero.
He considers his role as squadron leader of 75 (Arawa) Squadron as "normal stuff".
"It's something I enjoy doing," he said.
Flying Officer Hill was nominated as volunteer of the week by Sharon Fleet, chairman of the squadron.
She said he was focussed on helping young people succeed by "helping them to become confident, responsible young citizens who are valued within their community by providing them, within a military framework, safe, enjoyable and challenging opportunities".
"Under Tupi's guidance the squadron continues to grow and also continues to give back to the community in a voluntary capacity by working with a number of other community groups."
Mr Hill was a cadet for five years from the age of 13. He returned in 2002 when his son asked about photos of him.
When his son was 13 he joined up and in 2003 Mr Hill was commissioned.
"I've not looked back. I've got my two girls there still.
"One leaves this year so that just leaves my baby in there. When people ask me how many kids I have I say I've got three of my own and 50 I've adopted."
Mr Hill ensures cadets follow the training programme and takes them through a range of sessions such as safe firearms handling and competition shooting skills, personal presentation, bush craft and first aid.
His son is now in the New Zealand Army Infantry, another former cadet is in the Navy and another in the Air Force.
"We've two more going into the Air Force next year.
I'm very proud."
This month is a busy one for the cadets. As well as their training they also help with community groups. They will be at the Rotorua Marathon, helping out at the Te Arawa Games over Easter and on Anzac Day attend three parades.
"We keep them bust so they can't get into trouble," Mr Hill jokes.
And all of this is on top of his job as a truck driver.
He said lots of people assume he gets paid for his role. "I say yeah right. The only way we get paid is when they succeed and they have a smile on their face."
He has often thought back to when he was 18 and the path his life took but said he has no regrets.
"I've thought 'why did I leave school'. I should have stayed on and joined the Army or Air Force and followed my mates. "But I don't regret it. I'm happy with my life now and I can pass on my knowledge to these kids."