I came up through Cadets looking at Officers that gave up time and effort into making others and me who we are today. Youth are the Future of tomorrow, and I believe we need to look after our future just like someone looked after me. If there is one statement that summarizes my vision for this Unit, it would be “Train the youth of today to be better leaders for tomorrow!!” It epitomizes my vision for our unit and each individual Cadet and Officer in one simple sentence.
 
By joining Cadet Forces I have learnt how to lead others more effectively, and had the opportunity to learn skills such as people skills that I would have not learnt from a play-station. I would have never considered going overseas and meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. “By being part of this organisation I believe if an opportunity arises, grasp it. When a challenge arises, take it and if a problem arises, fix it.” We all know what is right; we just need to do it without waiting for someone to tell us. If we apply this attitude to all aspects of our lives like I have, we will get what’s best for us. As the Unit Commander I want to train you to be, “Better leaders for the community” by providing you with a “purpose” and inspiring you with core values that make me who I am. I will give you “Safe disciplined army military and non-military training and give you opportunities that other organisations cannot provide.”
 
Being an Officer of the Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit is a privilege and an honour, to be the Unit Commander, is an even greater honour that is bestowed on me. To be the Unit Commander I believe there is one attribute that is non-negotiable, which is Integrity. It is one attribute I believe that should not tolerate breaches of. I will accept an honest mistake and take the heat rather than have you violate my principles. I will be absolutely honest and truthful at all times and stand up for what I believe is to be right.
 
Being part of New Zealand Cadet Forces for me is being part of another family. I have learnt to respect its customs and traditions and be bound by it. To any family, it has it set ways of doing things and I believe you should be loyal to your family because they rely on you just as you rely on them. Loyalty- must be both horizontal and vertical in any family or organization. I will endeavour to support my Superiors decisions, including Duty of Care, Code of Conduct DFO7 and other guidelines. Given the opportunity, I will strongly represent the Units position and where in benefits you the Cadets however, when the final decision is made, I will enthusiastically respect, support and honour it despite my personal feelings.
Being the Unit Commander I believe I should have high standards in whatever I do. It is my responsibility to ensure that the Unit succeeds with accordance to New Zealand Cadet Force mission. I look at myself as an ambassador to New Zealand Cadet Forces and   to our local Community. Our citizens judge the New Zealand Cadet Forces and Army by how they see me wear my uniform and behaviour. Veterans have laid down their lives for you and I to make this a safer community.
I will endeavour to stand up straight with my head held high and wear my uniform without wrinkles or a bad haircut to honour those who wore the uniform before me. I cannot complete this task and other tasks from time to time by myself unless I have the cooperation and assistance of others. I will pledge if you are in a time of need, I will do my best to help you complete whatever task that lays in front of you. As I was always taught as a Cadet, there is no “I” in “Team”.
 
I see myself responsible as a leader in the finest youth organization in the country. New Zealand Cadet Forces have a rich tradition and history. I hope to add the next chapters to that history for both you and the future. I will strive to live up to the many fine examples of leadership demonstrated countless times by members of New Zealand Cadet Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, War Veterans and the Community.
 
In Conclusion I am not one to hide behind a desk. I will not expect you to do things I wouldn’t do myself. I will endeavour to lead by example and train you to the best of ability. My door is open to anyone who wants to come and talk to me.
 
Kia Kaha,
Be Strong
 
 
 
Elisha Crawshaw
Second Lieutenant
Unit Commander
Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit