A BOROUGH student had a day to remember last week when joining the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a garden party in Buckingham Palace as part of his role with the Army Cadet Force.
Malik Hussain has been in the ACF since he was 13-years-old and has risen to the level of Cadet Lord Lieutenant
Part of the 18-year-old’s role is to represent the adult Lord Lieutenant – who is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen – and this was how Malik was invited to the garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Malik’s involvement with the Army Cadet Force has seen him twice complete a 12-mile walk for charity, finish his bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and qualify as an adult first aider.
The Solihull Army Cadet was previously presented with a special award after becoming the youngest participant on an Army Management course to pass with flying colours.
Malik was tested on his leadership, orienteering, marching skills, shooting of live ammunition at targets and physical prowess on an assault course during a seven-day course to earn himself the highest standard in the Army Cadet Force.
Speaking about his visit to Buckingham Palace, Malik said: “It was a very honourable moment in my life.
“I was able to see the Queen and I got as close as 5 metres to her and also to within 1 metre from the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Becoming Cadet Lord Lieutenant was a massive goal for me to achieve and getting this invitation felt like a wonderful reward for that achievement.
“It was a beautiful party with food and beverages available and the chance to tour the gardens and meet other ACF members, although they much was older than me.”
The Solihull Sixth Form College student has also volunteered in the community – taking part in shooting, orienteering, athletics, drill and military skills competitions.
He currently studies A Levels in Maths, ICT and Art and later hopes to pursue a career in the army after university.
Malik added: “Getting this far in the ACF really made me proud and is one of the last events I will be going to as my time is coming to an end due to my age.
“I feel like I have lead by example during my time in the ACF.
“It has taught me that there are great opportunities out there and that all you need to do is grasp them and put yourself forward. “This is what I hope the younger cadets will remember me by and for them to always strive for greatness.”
