KAMSACK — Kamsack air cadets were honoured by several speakers during a banquet that was served following the squadron’s annual ceremonial review.
The banquet was held at the Kamsack Legion Hall after the ceremonial review at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute. CI Karen Bodnaryk served as MC of the program.
Karen Bodnaryk
CI Karen Bodnaryk is the training and supply officer for the Kamsack squadron.
Explaining that only she and Lt. Karen Tourangeau, the squadron’s commanding officer, are on the civilian staff, Bodnaryk encouraged volunteers to join.
“It’s a great bunch of kids to work with,” she said before introducing members of the civilian committee and the head table guests. She acknowledged Diane Larson for operating the concession booth at the Legion’s weekly bingo games and Anita Tourangeau for the bannock served at the banquet.
“You are all winners,” she said as Judy Green presented a certificate of excellence to FSgt Halo Tourangeau, and Karen Tourangeau presented gifts to the two graduating cadets: WOII Serenity Cote and FSgt. Lauren Talbot.
Mayor Beth Dix
Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix addressed the cadets at the awards banquet.
Bringing congratulations on behalf of the Town of Kamsack, Mayor Beth Dix said that she had been a cadet and recalled a camping incident that her daughter, “a princess,” had experienced in Alberta.
Dix thanked the squadron for its dedicated service within the community and said she was grateful for the program and its members.
Canora-Pelly MLA Sean Wilson
Sean Wilson, the Canora-Pelly MLA, attended the cadets’ annual review and banquet.
Bringing greetings on behalf of Premier Scott Moe and the people of Saskatchewan, Sean Wilson, Canora-Pelly MLA, said that the army cadets were formed in 1862, which was before Confederation and said that many esteemed Canadians have been cadets. He acknowledged the 50th year since women were admitted into the program and said it was an honour to have two of Kamsack’s original female cadets attending the banquet.
Wilson commended the cadets for “lighting the way for others,” and said they were part of a revered group who are the next generation of Saskatchewan residents.
“Your potential is limitless,” he said, adding that what they have learned in the program will serve them well in the future.
Wilson said that Saskatchewan offered generous tax credits to persons starting a business and thanked the parents for finding the time to allow their children to attend the program.
“I wish you all the best in the future,” he said.
Judy Green
On behalf of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Judy Green spoke to the air cadets at the awards banquet.
Representing the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which is the squadron’s sponsor, Judy Green said it had been a privilege to watch the cadets pass through the ranks from first year to graduation.
“Some of you will have received well-deserved rewards along the way, but all of you need to be rewarded for your personal growth and self-confidence you have achieved,” Green said. “This will go a long way to help you in your future endeavours.
Acknowledging this as the 50th year since females have been permitted into the cadet program, Green said that several members who were the first females of the Kamsack squadron are now active members of the Kamsack Legion branch today.
“The aim of the cadet program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership skills, both of which our local cadet group excel at,” she said. “Their hard work is much appreciated by the members of the branch in helping with our Decoration Day and Remembrance Day programs, both by participating in and helping with the set-up.
Cadets help with the maintenance of the Legion grounds as well as at the cemetery and the cenotaph, “by doing all the heavy lifting and jobs that our aging membership struggle to do.”
Cadets’ help in the door-to-door kick-off to the poppy campaign is greatly appreciated, she said. Their work in the community, taking time to make and take gifts to the seniors in the care homes and visiting with them is always greatly appreciated.
“As cadets, you should be proud of your accomplishments,” she said, adding that “it takes a community to raise a child.
“It has been a pleasure as a Legion member to sponsor this wonderful group since the beginning, and hopefully it will continue to thrive with the help and dedication of everyone involved,” Green said. “Good luck in all your future endeavours.”
Richard Petrowsky
Attending the cadets’ event was Richard Petrowsky of Regina, the Saskatchewan executive director of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
“You topped your parade from last year,” said Richard Petrowsky of Regina, the Saskatchewan executive director of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
Petrowsky commended Karen Tourangeau and Karen Bodnaryk as having been integral to the squadron and the community and said that Kamsack has a “good, strong squadron” that has had an “awesome year.
“You have to keep building on that to make the program better, although it is great already,” he said. “Whatever you get from the program translates to a better country and a better person.”
Petrowsky called for applause and a standing ovation for Tourangeau and Bodnaryk.
“They make my job much easier,” he said of the two women who serve as the squadron staff. He urged everyone to seek additional volunteers to serve the squadron.
“I appreciate coming here and I hope to be back next year,” Petrowsky concluded.
Dustin Erhardt
Dustin Erhardt, chair of the squadron’s civilian committee, congratulated the cadets “on another great year” and recognized the Legion as its sponsor as well as the sponsors of the various awards. He thanked the officers and commended Tourangeau and Bodnaryk for “putting up with us.
“Without them, we wouldn’t have a program,” Erhardt said of Tourangeau and Bodnaryk.
He thanked guests and the parents for their time spent fundraising and other work they do to help keep the program operating.
Commanding officer
Lt Karen Tourangeau, the cadets’ commanding officer, spoke to the cadets at the awards banquet.
Welcoming family, friends and guests and thanking them for attending the event, Lt Karen Tourangeau, the commanding officer of the squadron, said she was filled with a mix of pride and nostalgia as she looks at Serenity Cote and Lauren Talbot.
“We shared so much over the few years: laughter, challenges and countless ‘aha’ moments,” she said of the two graduating cadets. “You came to cadets as young people, unsure and wide-eyed. Now you’re leaving as young adults, ready to take on new challenges.
“As you move on, take these experiences with you,” she said. “They’ve shaped you, just as you’ve shaped each other and yes, even me. Training was not a one-way street. You’ve taught me patience, adaptability and how to explain the same thing in 10 different ways until it clicks.
“You have the tools, the knowledge and most importantly, the character to face whatever comes your way,” she said. “Be kind, be curious and always keep learning.
“Some of life’s greatest lessons come from our mistakes, and when things get tough, because they will, know that you have a whole squadron cheering you on. Just remember, you’re always welcome to stop in. I’m sure you will miss us too.”
Addressing all the cadets, Tourangeau said that she has watched them grow not just in height, but in character, knowledge and confidence.
“These moments, along with the quiet ones, meaning a struggling cadet finally grasping a difficult concept or a shy kid finding his or her voice, are what made our time together special Some of you guys will be moving up in rank in the fall and I can’t wait for you to become leaders.”
Speaking to the parents and guardians, she thanked them for “entrusting us with your children. Your support and partnership have been invaluable.
“To those of you I’ll see again next year, I can’t wait to continue our journey together,” she said. “To those moving on, you’ll always have a special place in my heart. I know you’ll do great things.”
Concluding the event, a gift was presented to Marchinko, while Dianne Smutt and Lynn Baillie, on behalf of the Kamsack Legion, presented an oversized cheque of $2,517 to Rachel Martinuik, the civilian committee’s secretary-treasurer.
Dustin Erhardt, the chair of the cadets’ civilian committee, commended the cadets.
