On the 24th September 1984, Julie Cairns started work as an Admin assistant in the main office of Eastern Wessex Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Association (TAVRA) based in Southampton.
She transferred after a while to the admin office in Southampton University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) and in 1996 moved again on promotion to Admin Officer with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force where she met her future husband Peter Groves. They married in 1991 and she became Julie Groves and they went on to have 2 daughters (both of whom were very successful Army Cadets).
Julie has seen many changes during her service including Eastern Wessex TAVRA merging with South East TAVRA to become South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and the Headquarters of Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF move from Carlton Place in Southampton to the Reserve Centre in Winchester.
On 24th September 2024 Julie will have completed 40 years’ unbroken service with the RFCA as well as 38 years as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) in the Army Cadet Force. Throughout this time she has shown dedication and commitment along with a desire to help people using her wealth of knowledge and experience.
From all of here at SERFCA, thank you Julie for your hard work and commitment!
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