The #723 Moose Mountain Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets hosted their 55th annual inspection on Monday, May 15.
Throughout the year the Moose Mountain Air Cadets were busy. They undertook a Fall Campout at Little Kenosee, RCMP/Regina Tour, Aviation Day in Oxbow, Run and Shoot/Biathlon in Yorkton, Remembrance Day Services, a winter campout at Saskadet, 15 Wing Moose Jaw Tour, Spring Mudroller Campout at Little Kenosee, Operation Fire in Oxbow, and Tri-Squadron Sports Day in Estevan. That was in addition to weekly meetings on Mondays.
This year the reviewing party included Reviewing Officer – Major Stuart Smith, Air Cadet League Representative – Rob Wilson, Commanding Officer – Lt. Derek Huenison, Parade Commander – WO1 Tanner Dufresne, and Squadron Warrant Officer – WO2 Parker Weatherald.
The evening began with “O Canada,” sang by SGT Kendra Ross. The reviewing party then walked through the ranks of cadets. Asking the cadets questions and checking over their uniforms, the reviewing party was very pleased by what they saw.
Squadron Drills were conducted that evening to showcase the squadron’s disciplined, hard work throughout the year.
“It’s good to see the support these youth have and the Saskatchewan Air Cadet League appreciates the efforts you put forth,” Wilson said to the parents and volunteers.
“Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Continue to work hard and take advantage of all you are able to within the Air Cadet program.”
The hard work and dedication of the Air Cadets was also commended by Lt. Huenison: “I commend each and every one of you for your commitment; I’m very proud of you… This commitment has taught you that you can earn things that instant gratification can’t do; you can’t just push a button. This is hard work and I’ve seen each and every one of you commit to the program. You’re setting yourself up for success. Keep up the hard work.”
These sentiments were reiterated by Major Smith: “You inspire me to do a better job. We recognize the hard work you put in and I encourage you to take advantage of all of the opportunities: travel, pilot’s licence, and more.”
Attending Summer Camps this year:
- General Training (Cold Lake, AB) – LAC Park
- Basic Survival (Cold Lake, AB) – FCPL Boyko
- Advanced Aviation Tech (Comox, BC) – Sgt Sharp
- Air Rifle Marksmanship (Whitehorse, YT) – J. Hinz
- Glider Pilot Scholarship (Gimli, MB) – Sgt. Huenison
Awards:
- Most Improved: Award to recognize the most improved overall cadet within the squadron. #723 RCACS Most Improved Cadet - CPL J’Naya Cunningham.
- Top Cadet Trophies: Award to recognize the top overall cadet of each level including dress, deportment, physical fitness and leadership.
1. #723 RCACS Top Cadet – Level I: LAC Riley Park
2. #723 RCACS Top Cadet – Level II: CPL Tatum Ross
3. #723 RCACS Top Cadet – Level III: FCPL Vincent Shackleton
4. #723 RCACS Top Cadets – Level IV: SGT Tucker Sharp
5. #723 RCACS Top Cadet – Level V: FGST Brandon Walter
6. #723 RCACS Top Cadet – Level VI: WO1 Tanner Dufresne
- Area Directors Trophy–This cadet has been recognized for his contributions and ability to work with the Junior Cadets (Shield): WO2 Parker Weatherald 2016-2017
- Officers Choice Award– Given to the cadet that who’s hard work and dedication to the squadron has been noticed by the officer staff of 723 Moose Mountain Squadron (Shield): SGT Kendra Ross and SGT Brayden Hill
- Esprit De Corps– Award to recognize positive efforts and attitudes noticed by the officers during the training year at both regular parade nights and optional weekend activities (Shield): SGT Nicholas Huenison.
- Leadership Award– Award to recognize the top leader of the squadron (Shield): WO1 Tanner Dufresne
- Outstanding Drill– This award recognizes the cadet who has the top uniform dress and drill ability in the squadron (Shield): SGT Jacob Hinz
- Cadet Legion Medal of Excellence(presented by Carlyle Legion President – Nedra Clark) – is awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion to Cadets who have displayed excellence in citizenship both inside and outside of the Cadet program: SGT Jacob Hinz
- Lord Strathcona Medal Of Excellence(presented by Reviewing Officer Major Smith) – Is an award to recognize exemplary performance in both Physical and Military Training in the Cadet Program: SGT Nicholas Huenison
- Cadet Performance/Attendance– Attendance of 100 percent of parade nights and 100 percent of optional weekend cadet activities as well as 100 percent of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee fund raisers. His hard work was recognized by a plaque and an additional award of a laptop in June: FCPL Vincent Shackleton
