Heather Latter
The 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadets held its 12th-annual Ceremonial Review, as well as a change-of-command ceremony, last Wednesday at the Memorial Sports Centre auditorium.
Deputy Commanding Officer Lt(N) Dawn Gray took over the reins of the squadron from Capt. Andrew Saciuk, who had been the commanding officer for the last five years.
He noted a commanding officer usually holds the position for three years so it was time for succession.
“I know the squadron will be in her very capable hands,” Saciuk remarked, adding he will step down to the position of administrative officer.
Saciuk also said the past year was a successful—but unique—one for the group.
When the 144 Fort Frances Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (144 Sea) in Emo closed its doors in the fall after 58 years, the units amalgamated.
“We had more cadets, more staff, and it was a different element—a learning curve for everyone,” Saciuk noted.
“But the year went really well,” he enthused.
“We worked together as a team to overcome the challenges and became a stronger unit in the end.”
Gray, who held the position of commanding officer with the local Sea Cadet corps for the past year, was happy to take on the position in a different element.
“I look forward to an exciting and new adventure on being 908’s commanding officer and changing over to the air uniform,” she said.
“My hope for the upcoming training year is to continue in an upward motion with regards to new cadets joining,” she added.
“And [I’d like to see] new and old cadets trying out for the multiple competitions [teams] available throughout the year to the cadets, such as marksmanship, effective speaking, drill, and biathlon.”
The Ceremonial Review ceremony, which included an inspection of cadets by reviewing officer Maj. Chris Mallyon, CD, who is the Regional Cadet Advisor for Northwestern Ontario.
“Without the support of everyone—the parents, cadets, sponsors, and staff—you wouldn’t have a successful unit,” he stressed.
“And as you can see, we have a very successful unit here.
“Everyone has done a very good job,” Mallyon added, thanking the 908 for the invitation to be the reviewing officer.
In addition to a march past and a demonstration by the drill team, a number of awards and certificates were handed out last Wednesday:
•Perfect Attendance Certificate (awarded to the cadets who have achieved perfect attendance in mandatory activities, including weekly training nights between Sept. 1 and May 1)—F/Sgt. MJ Nyberg and Cdt. Talon Kantor;
•Most Active Participation Award (awarded to a male and female cadet who shows the most effective level of participation in advancing the aims, goals, and activities of the unit)—LAC Aaron Scheibler and Cpl. Anna Schwartz;
•Community Service Award (awarded to the cadet whose service to the community demonstrates the highest degree of social awareness and responsibility, and enhances the reputation of Air Cadets)—WO2 Nick Piotrowski;
•Top Marksman Award (awarded to the cadet who achieves the best results during regular marksmanship training and, if applicable, during local, provincial, or national competition)—F/Sgt. Taleah Gerhard;
•Trophy for Aviation Excellence (awarded to the cadet who demonstrates the best performance and potential in glider or power scholarships in the aviation training program)—WO2 Nick Piotrowski;
•Recruit of the Year Award (awarded to the Level 1 cadet judged to best demonstrate the highest level of attendance, dress, deportment, learning, and participation)—LAC Aaron Scheibler;
•Top Level 2 Cadet Award (awarded to the Level 2 cadet judged to best demonstrate the highest level of attendance, dress, deportment, learning, and participation)—Cpl. Courtney Sinclair;
•Top Level 3 Cadet Award (awarded to the Level 3 cadet judged to best demonstrate the highest level of attendance, dress, deportment, learning, and participation)—Cpl. Anna Schwartz;
•Top Overall Cadet Award (awarded to the cadet who best demonstrates the highest level of attendance, dress, deportment, knowledge, and participation)—F/Sgt. MJ Nyberg;
•Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence (awarded in recognition for individual endeavours in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement)—WO2 Nick Piotrowski; and
•Warrant Officer’s Shield Award ((awarded to the cadet who displays the qualities of leadership and good sportsmanship)—Cpl. Courtney Sinclair.
“Thank you to the cadets for their commitment and enthusiasm to the program,” said civilian instructor Jason Jarvis.
“It’s been a challenging year and you’ve worked hard to be the best you can be.
“Congratulations to those cadets selected to attend summer camp,” Jarvis added.
“Have a wonderful time and come back to share your experiences.”
The local air cadets meet every Wednesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Memorial Sports Centre, beginning again in September.
Anyone aged 12-18 interested in joining the 908 Rainy Lake Squadron can contact 908aircadets@gmail.com or any of the staff members.
