PREECEVILLE — This year has been a year of change and re-building,” stated Captain Troy Rogowski. “It was a year of learning and regrouping after being away for the last few years due to COVID-19 regulations. We did lose a significant amount of cadets but we remain optimistic that we will build that squadron back up in the next few years.”
The Preeceville Harvard Air Cadets squadron may be a smaller group this year but were excited to have the experience of learning survival skills and techniques through a one-day outdoor fun day at Annie Laurie Lake on the outskirts of the north end of the town of Preeceville on June 11.
The cadets kicked off the day with a map and compass drill followed by a plant identification session that taught what was safe to use in a survival situation. Next the cadets had to learn how to make fire before they could cook their hot dog lunch. In the afternoon they learned giant air signals that could be seen from the air in case of emergency. The afternoon concluded with a compass course and expedition of putting together what they learned throughout the day and featured building a shelter that three people could fit into in a survival environment.
Promotions were presented prior to a barbecue supper with family members.
Level 1 promotions and promoted from LAC to Corporal were presented to cadets, Kaiden Bourassa and Westin Lindgren. Alex Prestie received a level 2 promotion and was promoted from Corporal to Flight Corporal. Riley Kuta (level 3), Jack Maciborski and Dixon Paul received a level 4 promotion and they were all promoted from Flight Corporal to Sergeant.
Avery Hanson and Kaulen Katryniuk were both promoted from Flight Sergeant to Warrant Officer 2. Jamie Katryniuk was promoted from Warrant Officer 2 to Warrant Officer 1.
The cadets continue to offer a marksmanship program with the addition of a biathlon. Air cadets are open to youths between 12 and 18 years and there is no registration fee.
“The purpose of cadets is to develop in youths the attributes of leadership and engage in active citizenship and physical fitness within an environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces,” a release said.
