Cadets, NCOs and Officers of #723 Moose Mountain Air Cadet Squadron, met at Whitewood on Sunday Apr. 10 at 5 p.m. to honour their parents and grandparents for their support and encouragement. It was a superb evening that included a wonderful banquet, honoured guests, a featured speaker and award ceremonies.
Before the event officially began, the squadron formed up and marched in front of the Legion Hall. Squadron CO Captain Walter White received the salute and gave a brief address to his cadets, not only encouraging them to enjoy themselves, but also reminding them it was still an official parade that demanded a certain degree of conduct. Obviously the cadets understood his words because they did themselves and their squadron proud throughout the whole evening.
Once inside the building a brief welcome was given by Second Lieutenant Tracy Akins, and the honoured guests at the head table were introduced. These included MLAs Don Toth and Dan D'Autremont, officers Morley Hamilton, Walter White and Phil Harrison, civilian instructor Sandra White, and the guest speaker, former Master Corporal Michael St. Laurint.
The National anthem was played by Sergeant Dakota Oshowy of Whitewood, grace was said, and the meal was served buffet-style at the back of the hall. The meat was cooked to perfection, and both main course and dessert were enjoyed by all present. It was then time for the main events of the evening.
There were several categories of awards and recognition for the cadets, as well as the announcement of which squadron members would be attending camps this coming summer. As names were called, the cadets came forward and stood to attention in front of the head table. Awards were given by RCMP Staff Sergeant Phil Harrison, proudly wearing his red dress uniform, who also happens to be a Lieutenant in the reserves. After the awards both MLAs offered words of encouragement to the audience, with Dan D'Autremont remembering his own days in the cadets during which he gained his pilot's license. Then it was time for the guest speaker to address the assembly.
Although former Master Corporal St. Laurint served in the army, he stressed that he had much interaction with the Air Force branch of the Canadian Armed services. Indeed he had refuelled not only front-line CF-18 fighter aircraft, but also the Snowbirds aerobatic team. He brought plenty of pictures to show the cadets, many of whom gathered around a table after the meeting to chat with him and look at his albums.
Special thanks and honour was given to the families of the cadets, many of whom had travelled fair distances to attend the meeting. Although the squadron meets at Carlyle, members come from all round the area including Carlyle, Wawota, Redvers, Manor and even Whitewood. Recognition was also given to several WW2 veterans who were present, and the evening closed with the playing of "God Save The Queen."
Money raised from the event is helping to finance a trip to B.C. by members of the Squadron.
