A cadet in the Rutherford squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets, Alec has been selected to travel to Europe in April next year to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

Alec is one of 17 cadets from around Australia to go on the 14-day trip, visiting the Western front battlefields where Australians fought and died for their country – including his own relatives.

Along with seeing the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame cathedral,the highlight of the trip will be attending the Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers Bretonneux.

Alec, in Year 9 at Dungog High School, has not missed a dawn service in recent years and said he was thrilled to be going on the trip.

As well as being a representative cross country runner he is also a skilled horseman being named champion boy rider at both Maitland and Cessnock shows and the reserve boy champion at the Gunnedah Show.

He has been in the cadets for 18 months, with future plans to become a pilot and attend ADFA and do a fast jets course.

“There’s a fair bit of mateship in the cadets and you meet people you're not going to forget,” he said.

To help fund the trip which will put a huge strain on the one income family,  Alec’s parents Lyn and Troy will be holding a range of fundraising events and plan to start a GoFundMe page.

“Alec has a pony at home he may have to sell to fund the trip, but we hope it won’t come to that,” said Mrs Campbell.

Donations can also be made to the following account: BSB: 082 567 and Account number: 302 723 183.