CANORA - With several more cadets enrolled than last year, the Canora Air Cadets Squadron held their Annual Ceremonial Review at Canora Composite School.
The June 4 program opened with a welcome by Second Lieutenant Wade Stachura, who is also the training officer. “This is a special occasion for these cadets. They have been working toward this all year.”
Reviewing Officer introduction
Stachura then introduced Reviewing Officer Mark Ochitwa, a former member of the Canora Air Cadet Squadron.
“Mark joined the 566 Air Cadet Squadron in September 1984,” said Stachura. “He attended air cadet camps each summer, and obtained his glider scholarship in 1988 and flying scholarship in 1989. Mark was a member of the drill team and led the team to become the tri-service drill team champions in March 1989, outperforming all other air, army and navy cadet squadrons. At his final annual inspection in May 1989, Mark graduated at the ranked of Warrant Officer and was one of the first six original recipients of the Cadet Medal of Excellence.
“After high school, Mark continued his passion in aviation and went to Aviation College in Abbotsford, B.C., graduating in April 1992 with a Commercial pilots licence and multi-engine instrument rating. He went on to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1992 with hopes of flying with the RCMP. While posted in La Ronge in the late 1990s, Mark flew the twin engine Cessna 402 and De Havilland Twin Otter for Athabasca Airways between his shifts and on days off. He also was a civilian instructor with the La Ronge Air Cadet squadron.
“With a policy change with the RCMP Air Section in 1999, Mark specialized in criminal interviews and became a polygraph examiner and interrogation instructor in 2007. He retired from the RCMP in June 2015 to purchase a private credibility assessment company where he continued to conduct interviews and polygraph test for the insurance, legal and corporate industries. In addition, Mark and his wife, Candace, operated an ice cream and mini golf business at Madge Lake between 2018-2025. Now in retirement, Mark keeps busy with interests in aviation, health and family.”
This was followed by the playing of O Canada and the arrival of Reviewing Officer Mark Ochitwa.
Accompanied by Commanding Officer Captain Darren Paul and FSgt Maisie Kuzminski, Ochitwa inspected the cadets. Following the inspection, Kuzminski led the cadets in the march past the reviewing stand.
Awards
For their contributions during the past season, each cadet received an award.
First-year cadets Cpl. Dakota Maygard, Cpl. Echo Sabiston, Cpl. Sidney Hamm and LAC Ariyah Cree were presented with a pair of squadron sweats as a full year training incentive.
Second-year cadets Sgt. Zoe Becker, Sgt. Mickayla Maygard and Sgt. Max Paul received embroidered squadron hoodies personalized with their names for two full years of service.
F/Sgt. Maisie Kuzminski was presented with a squadron-embroidered North Face backpack for three full years of service.
Commanding Officer’s address
During the Commanding Officer’s address, Captain Paul expressed his gratitude to parents and guardians for bringing the cadets out pretty much every Wednesday night when the group would meet.
“Thanks to Reviewing Officer Mark Ochitwa and Richard Petrowsky, the Saskatchewan executive director of the Air Cadet League of Canada, for being here tonight,” said Paul. “Thanks Mark for being a role model for the cadets.
“Thanks to the members of our sponsorship committee, which right now isn’t as big as it could be. Please consider helping out, this program gives cadets a sense of belonging and achievement.”
“Thanks to 2nd Lieutenant Wade Stachura for serving as our training officer.
“We offer opportunities to learn. To serve. To advance. We provide uniforms and training.
"We have had great experiences this past year as a team learning about the air program, bush and cold weather survival, maps and compass, flight simulator, rockets, marksmanship and ceremonial drill, and first aid this year as well as a planned flight coming up at the end of June.”
Captain Paul reminded everyone in attendance that there is no cost for joining the cadets.
“Last but not least, thanks to our cadets for participating in the best youth program anywhere.
"Take a good look at these disciplined cadets. They will be your leaders of tomorrow.”
Air Cadet League remarks
Air Cadet League remarks were presented by Richard Petrowsky of Regina, the Saskatchewan executive director of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
“Congratulations cadets,” said Petrowsky, “you should be very proud of what you have accomplished this year. You are part of approximately 450 squadrons made up of over 27,000 cadets across the country.
“This takes a lot of work by volunteers, a big thank you to all of you involved with the Canora squadron. There is more that can be done. If you haven’t been involved previously, don’t be afraid to step up and make Canora’s program bigger and better. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact me after the program or talk to Captain Paul.”
Reviewing Officer remarks
Reviewing Officer Ochitwa told the cadets, “I am truly honoured to be here, congratulations on having a great year. The future looks bright for all of you.
“About 40 years ago, I was a member of the cadets here in Canora. Skills I learned in cadets helped me and will help you going forward, including discipline, leadership, doing drills and even shining boots.
“I want you to think big as you look to your future. We were pushed hard through all the training and I really felt enriched. I cherish that.
“Cadets, you don’t have to be the fastest, the loudest, or the strongest. But every chance you get, push yourself to be a little bit more. Use that in whatever career you choose.
“Thanks again for having me.”
After the program, everyone was invited to stay for refreshments.
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