Squadron Leader John Nicholson became involved with the Air Cadets at age 15 as a cadet in Sale in what is now East Cheshire South Manchester Wing. In 1966, as a Civilian Instructor, he was part of a small team who reformed the nearby 145 (Altrincham & Hale) Squadron. He was commissioned there and later became officer commanding of 145 Squadron before moving family and home, in short order, to North Yorkshire and then Dorset. His transportable Air Cadet enthusiasm was taken up at 1069 (Flight Refuelling Wimborne) Squadron and a period at 149 (Poole) Squadron during which he first volunteered for the 4-day Nijmegen March in Holland. Ten marches later, and after six years as Corporate Communications Officer for Dorset Wiltshire Wing, he now serves as Regional CCO with the enthusiastic and multi-talented Wing CCOs of the South West Region.

A varied career as a chartered accountant has taken him to Bournemouth University and a heavy involvement with contracts for health, social and community care education for independent students and those sponsored by the NHS or the Social Service Departments of local authorities. He has a secondary duty as university link to the local University Air Squadron and Officer Training Corps, to encourage student awareness of these unique life and career-enhancing opportunities, in addition to promoting those of the ACO, of course.
He is married and thankful that both son and daughter have completed their initial university education and joined the rest of us, as life-long learners.
"Believe it or not, march training is great fun and keeps me in touch with the young cadets. There continue to be many opportunities for me with Air Cadets, you meet people from all walks of life and I can certainly recommend it. " said John.