I had the privilege of again visiting with the local Air Cadets squadron this past week and was uplifted by the enthusiasm displayed by the young people.
As some of you are aware, the squadron meets every Wednesday night upstairs at the Memorial Sports Centre for training that can pay off with big rewards.
Recently, two of the cadets were awarded scholarships that go towards earning their flying certificates this summer.
Sgt. Jackson Gillon is to attend a camp for his glider pilot certification while Flight Sgt. Ryan Wood will be working on his pilot’s licence through the powered flight program.
Warrant Officer Jordan Manty achieved his licence through this program last year.
“Acquiring your pilot’s licence on your own can run upwards of $30,000 . . . finding and keeping the same instructor can be chore,” noted civilian instructor Doug MacDonald.
These are significant achievements for a squadron of this size, and are reflective of the youths, the leadership, and their combined efforts.
While talking with the youths about their upcoming summer camps, Sgt. Bailey Strom said she was looking forward to working towards her athletic instructor certification.
She was teaching Leading Cadet Zane Morriseau the intricacies of rifle drill with the help of Sgt. Matthew Jolicoeur and Darren Derendorf.
Interestingly enough, they were using an item familiar to old soldiers and cadets—a “Number 4 Mark 1 Lee-Enfield 303 rifle.”
While I was there, the cadets were practising for their annual ceremonial review under the leadership of Capt. Maggie Somerleigh.
This is planned for May 28, with the guest of honour being Brig.-Gen. E.B. Thuen out of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, who is responsible for the air reserves.
The public is welcome to attend, with seating starting around 6:30 p.m.
After reviewing the cadets in training, Capt. Somerleigh said, “The cadet program is the best-kept secret in Canada.”
The youths I saw were putting in quite an effort to ensure their upcoming review will present a sharp turnout, but there also were a lot of smiles.
These kids are dedicated to what they are doing.
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