She has dedicated 30 years of her life to shaping the lives of hundreds of army cadets and yesterday at a ceremony Major Cathrine Perriman was recognised for her service.
Maj Perriman NZCF started her cadet service with the Bayfield High School cadets in 1985, organising fundraising and activities for the children involved, including her son and daughter.
In 1990, she became an officer and formed the City of Dunedin Cadet Unit in 1995 to ensure all children in the area had a chance to train as army cadets.
She received the rank of major about 15 years ago.
"[We] did a lot of work with the RSA,'' Maj Perriman (69) said.
"[I enjoy] watching them achieve.''
A highlights of her 30 years with the cadets was when the unit won a national skills challenge, with the prize being a week training with the SAS and "just the cadets'', she said.
Maj Perriman had left the unit in good hands.
After starting it by herself 20 years ago, she built it up and had three other officers working with her.
Although only about a third of cadets went on to join the armed forces, they learned about values and gained confidence, self-discipline and leadership skills they might not have otherwise.
Maj Perriman was farewelled by the unit at the annual prizegiving at the Kensington Army Hall, which was followed by an invitation-only supper.
