Staff
The 144 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (Fort Frances) proudly presented its annual ceremonial review Saturday afternoon at the Emo Legion before a crowd of parents, relatives, and friends.
Lt(N) Dawn Gray welcomed everyone to the review and introduced this year’s reviewing officer, William (Bill) Zroback, CD Lieutenant (N), who is retired and now lives in Kenora.
Other officers and VIPs on hand for the ceremony were Lt(N) Terry Newman, civilian instructor Ian Enns, Petty Officer First Class Matthew Gray as Cox’n, and Petty Officer First Class Edward Cabral as Divisional Petty Officer.
Lt(N) Kristen Wolch, Assistant Area Cadet Advisor with the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central Region), also was present to assist with the awards ceremony.
Gray took a moment to acknowledge a few organizations whose generous support is critical to the well-being of this corps.
They include the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central Region), which offers advice regarding training and financial support for weekend training sessions, and the Township of Emo, which offers a very manageable rental rate for the use of the upper level of the curling rink for the corps’ classrooms and offices.
She also recognized the Royal Canadian Legion and the Navy League for their financial support.
Gray introduced and thanked the executive members of the Navy League (Emo branch) for their support during the year.
This group provides the financial support necessary for training exercises, paying bills, buying equipment, and travel expenses.
It also supports the corps by organizing social events throughout the year.
The executive consists of president Crystal Gray, vice-president Ging Taylor, treasurer Gladys Enns, and secretary Jon Enns.
Gray also thanked the parents for supporting and encouraging the cadets, as well as thanking the cadets.
“You have worked hard all year to be the best you can,” she stressed.
“You make the cadet program what it is,” she added. “Without you, all of you, we wouldn’t be here.
“Through the highs and lows of the year, you held tight to the sails and helped steer us to the finish line,” Gray continued.
“Thank you so much.”
The ceremonial part of the afternoon began with a review and inspection of the cadets by the reviewing officer, as well as a march past.
Then the awards and presentations were made.
The following cadets received awards for their work in this year’s program:
•Top Recruit of the Year—Able Seaman Aiden DeGagne;
•Top Fitness Award—Petty Officer First Class Matthew Gray;
•Excellence in Uniform Standards—Petty Officer Second Class Chelsea Barron;
•Esprit de corps—Able Seaman Aiden DeGagne;
•The Gordon and Margaret Woollard Core Value Award—Petty Officer First Class Edward Cabral;
•The Gordon Matheson Seamanship Award—Able Seaman Aiden DeGagne;
•Teamwork, Leadership and Attitude Award—Petty Officer Second Class Chelsea Barron;
•Perfect Attendance—Petty Officer Second Class Chelsea Barron and Able Seaman Aiden DeGagne; and
•Top Cadet of the Year—Petty Officer Second Class Chelsea Barron
Commanding Officer Lt(N) Newman also handed out certificates to the cadets who successfully completed the required training for this year and earned a promotion in rank.
AS Aiden DeGagne and AS Braydon Harp were promoted to Leading Seaman, MS M.J. Nyberg was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class, and PO2 Chelsea Barron was promoted to Petty Officer First Class.
Lt(N) Newman also made a special presentation to this year’s reviewing officer.
The annual ceremonial review then concluded with the “Advance in Review Order” and general salute.
“Thank you everyone for coming,” Gray said. “I hope to see you all in the fall.
“To the cadets that are going to camp, have a wonderful time and come back with a head full of knowledge,” she added.
Those headed to camp this summer at HMCS Ontario in Kingston include Able Seaman (now Leading Seaman) Aiden DeGagne, who going for a two-week general training course, Master Seaman (now Petty Officer 2nd class) M.J. Nyberg, taking a six-week ship boats operator course, and Petty Officer Alex Stewart, taking a three-week basic seamanship course.
Gray indicated all youth aged 12-18 are invited to join the Sea Cadet corps, which will resume in September.
The corps meets Mondays from 6:30-9:15 p.m. at the Emo curling rink.
Cadets learn sailing, seamanship, and marksmanship, as well as receiving leadership and naval training.
“It’s such an excellent opportunity,” Gray enthused. “We would really like to see more youth get involved.”
For more information about Sea Cadets, contact Gray at 274-5186.
