After four years of training with the 2302 Weyburn Army Cadets, Chief Warrant Officer Tiesen Dreger said farewell to the cadets and staff of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program. Tiesen reached the age of 19 and can no longer be an Army Cadet. Tiesen joined Sea Cadets in Ontario and transitioned into Army Cadets after moving to Saskatchewan.
Tiesen, a local resident of Lang, came to cadets each week, and took in everything the program had to offer. In 2017, he was appointed the position of Regimental Sargent Major, and in 2019 received the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, the highest rank and position a cadet can hold. Tiesen is a strong leader and put his cadets before himself. He was respected by both his peers and officers within the corps.
This past summer, Tiesen was selected to embark on a regional expedition that led his group on a paddle trip from Whitehorse to Dawson City, Yukon. This is the second time a cadet from the Weyburn Cadet Corps has attended this expedition. The average drifting speed was five to seven kilometers per hour, and their peak speed was approximately 10 km/h. They travelled 95 to 106 kilometers per day, and completed the trip in five days.
“Tiesen is strong and enthusiastic leader. He is not shy and is always willing to help where he can. He has a natural leadership ability and can genuinely connect with his peers. He will go far with the new skills he has learned,” said Commanding Officer, Captain Nicholas Haines, CD.
The aim of the Cadet program is to develop attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness, and to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Armed Forces.
Youth aged 12 to 18 can join the program. Uniforms, training manuals, and instruction are provided free of charge. There are a number of optional training programs available through the Cadet program as well, including marksmanship, biathlon, drill team, and orienteering.
The Weyburn 2302 Army Cadet Corps parades every Tuesday evening from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Please feel welcome to attend one of their sessions at the Legion Hall or call Capt. Haines at 306-596-7342 for more information on the program.
