CANORA – “We had a really good year.”
Captain Darren Paul, Commanding Officer of the Canora Air Cadet Squadron made the comment after observing the cadets during the Annual Ceremonial Review at Rainbow Hall on May 27.
2nd Lt Wade Stachura, Training Officer welcomed family and friends for the evening and introduced the Reviewing Officer, Canora/Pelly MLA Sean Wilson, the former Buchanan Mayor.
The Squadron Fall In was followed by the singing of O Canada.
Accompanied by Captain Darren Paul, and F/Sgt and Parade Commander Zoe Becker, Reviewing Officer Sean Wilson inspected the cadets. Becker then led the cadets in the March Past the reviewing stand.
Awards
First year cadets were presented with awards for completing each year in Cadets. Captain Paul also shared a few remarks about each cadet.
LAC Lacey Ball: “Outgoing and curious. Not afraid to stand up and ask questions to enhance her knowledge.”
LAC Abigail Boulanger: “Reserved, attentive to peers and leaders. She steps up to help out when put in a leadership role.”
LAC Karlien De Necker: “Kind and outgoing. Attentive to detail and eager to participate in any and all activities.”
LAC Echo Stevens: “An echo of another older cadet. Friendly, engaged, enthusiastic supporter and inclusive of others.”
LAC Caitlin Dick: “Passionate about what she believes in, fully engaged in classes and activities.”
LAC Carter Dick: “Observant and responsible, good team member.”
LAC Sara Wilson: “Enthusiastic cadet with an eagerness to learn and grow.”
Here are Captain Paul’s comments about the cadets who completed Year 2.
Cpl Ariyah Cree: “Mischievous but dedicated. Looks for the humour in all situations and creates positive vibes within the squadron. Always looks like she’s up to something.”
F/Cpl Echo Sabiston: “Good junior leader with a great attitude and very helpful to others.”
F/Cpl Dakota Maygard: “Reserved and friendly. Junior leader that’s supportive of others.”
Captain Paul then shared his thoughts about the two fourth-year cadets.
Squadron Parade Commander and F/Sgt Zoe Becker: “Strong, instructive, dedicated leader who creates an aura of polished professionalism on and off the parade square.”
F/Sgt Max Paul: “Supportive of others, always quick to make sure all his cadets are kitted out (dressed) properly. Lifts others up with his knowledge and helps them to grow as leader in their own right.”
Becker and Paul also won leadership awards, Becker for her work as drill and ceremonial instructor responsible for drill and deportment, uniform standards and discipline. Paul’s award was as Cadet Logistics Co-ordinator, responsible for administration assistance, outfitting cadets with available uniform parts and requesting needed items from the supply officer. Air Cadet
League Representative March Ochitwa presented four-year-cadet medals to Becker and Paul “to recognize continuous meritorious service by deserving cadets.”
Commanding Officer’s Address
Captain Darren Paul opened his Commanding Officer’s Address by thanking parents, guardians and distinguished guests, including the Reviewing Officer, Canora/Pelly MLA Sean Wilson.
“Thanks to Mark Ochitwa from the Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan, who was instrumental in helping the sponsor committee to become a strong, effective support network for squadron training.
“A huge thank you to the members of the parent sponsor committee, who work behind the scenes to support the activities that make the cadets experience possible,” continued Captain Paul. “I would also like to acknowledge the staff members of the Canora air cadet squadron, without whom the training these cadets received would not take place. Thanks to 2Lt Wade Stachura, our training officer whose knowledge and skill has set many cadets on the path to future success.
“Kerri-Ann Boulanger and Marcel Boulanger became staff volunteers this year. These two very skilled and knowledgeable veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces have added a new level of instruction and service to others that the cadets can look up to and emulate, for example, our mess dinner where Marcel cooked and Kerri-Ann served. In their short time with the squadron, they have become role models for cadets and peers alike.
“We mold cadets into smart responsible adults who contribute to society and are successful in their own chosen field of study. Cadets prepares youth for the transition into adulthood and gives them the tools to do this, teaching them confidence, loyalty, persistence and citizenship. Staying in the program gives cadets a sense of belonging and achievement. The ACR marks the official end of the training year and provides youth the opportunity to show the community their growth as citizens, and the discipline, pride and esprit de corps they have developed.
“The Cadet program offers many programs that kids cannot get anywhere else in Canada. There is no cost to do this.
“We have had great experiences as a team learning about the air program, air crew survival, maps and compass, flight simulator, rocket building and air skills development, marksmanship and ceremonial drill, as well as a formal mess dinner. A flight is planned to give the cadets the familiarization with aircraft and airport operations.
“This year we also had the opportunity to host several multi-squadron events such as CAF engagement where the cadets learned about CAF history and traditions, Saskatchewan Air Cadet League Curling Fun Bonspiel, and a Sports Tabloid.
“Last, but certainly not least, the thank you to the cadets who showed up Wednesday nights and weekends to participate in the best youth program anywhere. Take a good look at these disciplined cadets. These will be your leaders of tomorrow. “
Air Cadet League
Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan Representative Mark Ochitwa commended the cadets on the successful completion of their season.
“For your dedication each week you should be proud of yourselves,” said Ochitwa. “Success comes through hard work, and you show that.”
“Parents and guardians, thank you for your support.
“A special thank you to the squadron sponsoring committee. Thank you for volunteering for this important work.
“Cadets, as you move forward, take these experiences with you and cherish them. Congratulations.”
Reviewing Officer Remarks
Reviewing Officer Sean Wilson, Canora/Pelly MLA, congratulated the cadets on “the work you have put in throughout the year, the discipline you have shown and the pride you take in wearing the uniform.
“As Reviewing Officer, it has been a real honour to watch your parade tonight. You can tell a lot by the way a group carries themselves, and it is obvious there has been a lot of effort, practice and commitment put into getting to this point. You should be proud of that.
“Over the course of a training year, you learn far more than drill and ceremony. You learn teamwork. You learn responsibility. You learn how to rely on each other and how to push yourselves even when things get difficult.
“Those are skills that matter for the rest of your lives, no matter where you end up.
"Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, you learn pretty quickly that hard work, accountability and helping the people beside you still matters. Programs like Air Cadets help build those same values, and that is something worth recognizing.
“To the officers, instructors and volunteers, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes. These programs do not happen by accident. They happen because people give up their own time to mentor young people and help them succeed. That work matters more than you probably hear.
“And to the parents, grandparents, families and friends here tonight, thank you as well. Whether it is rides to activities, helping with fundraising or simply encouraging these young people throughout the year, you are part of this success too.”
Following the General Salute and the departure of the Reviewing Officer, the evening closed with the singing of God Save the King.
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