Gold Commendation for exemplary performance
Drawing on first aid skills gained through the Australian Army Cadets
Toowoomba Grammar School cadet Cadet Lance Corporal Amza Fleming has been honoured with an Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation for exemplary performance and prompt response as a first responder following a life-threatening medical incident, where he used skills learned in the Australian Army Cadets.
Cadet Lance Corporal Fleming was alerted by younger siblings to a medical incident involving a family member.
Drawing on first aid skills gained through the Australian Army Cadets, he conducted an initial assessment and contacted emergency services for assistance. As an initial responder, Cadet Lance Corporal Fleming kept calm and supported the family member until emergency services arrived, at which point he conducted a thorough handover to continue the care being provided.
Australian Army Cadets South Queensland Commander, Colonel Athanasios Tsamis, said, “Cadet Lance Corporal Fleming’s maturity and courage to handle the medical situation, whilst supporting his siblings, were beyond his years and experience levels.
“We should all be proud of his actions.” The Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation is the highest award within the AAC, awarded for superior achievement or devotion in the application of skills, judgment, or dedication to duty. Cadet Lance Corporal Amza Fleming said,
“Receiving the commendation was an honour and I’m a little shocked actually.” Since joining the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet Unit in 2023, Cadet Lance Corporal Fleming has participated in numerous local and national activities and is set to attend an upcoming promotion course in July 2024. “I’ve done a few courses and overnight nights,” Corporal Fleming said. "They’re all fun adventures.” He said he has met new people, built new relationships and expanded his horizons in all sorts of things he probably wouldn’t have done otherwise and would encourage other young people to join the Cadets.
"It’s quite a big opportunity. There’s lots of different things you can do and it’s just a really great adventure,” he said For most Australian towns, particularly in rural and remote areas, the Army Cadets provide a strong direct link between the community and the Australian Defence Force, and Colonel Tsamis said that cadets inspire confidence and hope that the future is in good hands. “It is up to community leaders to provide the right conditions and environment to allow youth to achieve their goals and to actively contribute to the future of their town,” Colonel Tsamis said.
“The Australian Army Cadets provides focus to young people and an opportunity to develop their confidence including a sense of service through safe and challenging teambased activities.” The Australian Army Cadets is a national youth development program for young people 13 to 18 years of age. It proudly shares the character and values of the Australian Army and is dedicated to helping young Australians build character, gain valuable skills, and contribute positively to their communities. The Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit was officially formed in 1892 and is the longest continuously serving Army Cadet Unit in Queensland, one of the oldest Cadet units in Australia, and one of only four schoolbased Cadet Units in Queensland. • To learn more about the Australian Army Cadets or to join a local unit, visit www.australianarmycadets.gov.au.
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