Members of the No. 2901 Estevan Elks PPCLI Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps demonstrated their talents, their discipline and their pride, and recognized their members during the annual ceremonial review and awards night Tuesday at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
The evening featured the inspection of the cadets, including the pipe band, by Commanding Officer Craig Bird and the reviewing officer for the evening, Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser. The corps then marched past the audience in a demonstration of their abilities.
The pipe and drums band then performed a couple of numbers for the audience.
Awards were presented to the cadets. This year’s recipients were:
- Master Warrant Officer Darson Gunnlaugson, best cadet, esprit de corps for sports, the Lord Strathcona Medal and a service medal;
- Lance-Cpl. Graeson Nelson, most improved cadet and most improved shooter;
- Cadet Levi Hollingshead, best first year cadet;
- Lance-Cpl. Kurt Balbuena, best second year cadet (red star);
- Drum Master-Cpl. Abby Krupka, best third year cadet (silver star);
- Lance-Cpl. Jessica Slager, best all-around athlete;
- Cadet Oleh Sych, most sportsmanlike award;
- Cpl. Piper Mueller, Capt. Fred Slater Memorial Trophy;
- Master Warrant Officer Owen Gudmunson, Legion medal of excellence, top overall shooter and service award;
- Cadet Daniel Werner, top first-year shooter; and
- Cpl. Danson Simon, service award.
In his speech, Feser said he was excited to be the reviewing officer, but the more he thought about it, he became somewhat anxious as to what he would say, since the fire service seemed somewhat distant from the armed forces.
“In a moment of reflection, I was reminded of how the fire service industry is a para-military organization of rank, structure and design,” said Feser. “Most importantly, the very similar strengths, attributes and values that the people within must possess in order for this or any other organization to be successful (are similar).”
He told the audience that there are five traits he considers the most important: integrity, moral character, work ethic, pride and courage.
Integrity is following a strict ethical code and doing the right thing, regardless of whether it is required.
“Personal and professional integrity is the basis for all the other personal strengths to follow,” said Feser.
Moral character puts an emphasis on trust. Fellow cadets, supervisors and members of the public must be able to trust each cadet to do what is right. As for work ethic, having it places a premium on the virtues of hard work and thoroughness. It means doing what needs to be done without being told, without complaint, and doing it completely.
Most cadets have a sense of pride, in themselves and in their corps.
“Cadets demonstrate this by taking pride in their personal appearance, practising drills to the point of perfection and commitment to continual training and education to hone your skills to precision,” said Feser.
Finally, courage is the most obvious trait they must possess. Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger and uncertainty. Fear is not a weakness, and it goes along with respect.
Cadets do all of this because they want to honour those who have come before them, those currently in the cadet program and those in the Canadian Forces.
“Most important, to honour those that have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country here and abroad,” he said.
Estevan Elks Lodge exalted ruler Randy Van Achte and Estevan Royal Canadian Legion branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest were on hand, and made presentations to the cadet corps during the review.
The evening wrapped up with a general salute by the army cadets.
