The 20-strong Moose Mountain Air Cadet Squadron held their 53rd annual ceremonial review parade, Monday, June 1 in Carlyle.
In addition to earning an impressive number of awards-which Reviewing Officer Brent Wolfe described as “marvelous”-the squadron demonstated some of the skills and drills they had mastered during the 2014-2015 year to family and friends.
Reviewing Officer Wolfe inspected the squadron and told them they compared favourably with international cadet squadrons.
“A job well done,” said Wolfe. “It's marvellous what you've done here, and thank you very much for allowing me the privilege of being here tonight.”
Wolfe said the air cadet program was “an asset,” which served him well in his life and career. “I'm very grateful to the air cadets. It taught me a lot and I encourage you to talk the program up to your friends.”
“How wonderful getting to fly, going places, shooting, competing, participating in exchanges...There are so many opportunities.”
Cannington MLA and special guest, the Hon. Dan D'Autremont agreed, recalling his days as a cadet and extending a special thank you to cadet parents.
“They're the ones who get you to cadets,” he said. “Without the participation of the parents, it's difficult to be a cadet.”
“You put on a very, very good display and demonstration this evening,” added D'Autremont. “There are lots of opportunities and lots of things to learn. I got my wings through the Air Cadets. It's very, very worthwhile training. You learn discipline, teamwork and so many other valuable things through your training.”
This year, Moose Mountain #723 Squadron's training activities included a fall campout at Saskairie, a tour of the RCMP Depot, airport, and IMAX theatre in Regina, a four-day trip to Edmonton, a gliding trip to Brandon, a biathalon in Regina, a senior canoe campout at Kenosee Lake, curling in Carnduff and participation in Remembrance Day services.
Commanding Officer 2Lt. Derek Huenison said “The 2014-2015 training year was a year of change. We had 10 new first-years walk through the door. That's very exciting, welcoming those future pilots.”
After thanking staff members, cadet parents, members of the sponsoring committee and the dignitaries in attendance, Huenison reserved his most important thank you of the evening for the cadets
“You are setting yourself up for success. I am proud of you all. You cadets have made my job very easy this past year.”
This year's air cadet awards are as follows:
Most Improved: Level I LAC Vincent Shackleton; LevelII Cpl Nicholas Huenison; Level III Fcpl Jessica Hamilton; Level IV Sgt Tanner Dufresne; Level V Fsgt Gavin Walter.
Top Cadet: Level I LAC Tucker Sharp; Level ii Cpl Jacob Hinz, Level III Fcpl Brandon Walter; Level IV Sgt Marc Nelson; Level V Fsgt Michala Linklater.
Area Directors Trophy: Sgt Parker Weatherald
Officers Choice Award: Fsgt Gavin Walter
Esprit De Corps: LAC Dareeion Knockaert; LAC Vincent Shackleton.
Leadership Award: Fsgt Michala Linklater; Fsgt Gavin Walter.
Outstanding Drill: Fsgt Michala Linklater
Curling Team: Fsgt Gavin Walter; Fsgt Michala Linklater; Sgt Parker Weatherald, Sgt Tanner Dufresne.
Provincial Biathalon Team: Fsgt Michala Linklater; LAC Tucker Sharp.
Cadet 80% or Above Attendance Awards: Fsgt Gavin Walter; Sgt Parker weatherald; Sgt Marc Nelson; Sgt Tanner Dufresne; Fcpl Brandon Walter; Cpl Jacob Hinz; Cpl Nicholas Huenison; LAC Brayden Hill; LAC Vincent Shackleton; LAC Daniel Shirley; LAC Kendra Ross; LAC Dareeion Knockaert; LAC Tucker Sharp.
Cadet Long Service Medal: Sgt Dufresne; Sgt Nelson; Sgt Weatherald.
Medals of Excellence: Cadet Legion Medal of Excellence, Fsgt Gavin Walter; Lord Strathcona Medal of Excellence, Fsgt Michala Linklater.
Senior Cadet Perfect Attendance: Fsgt Walter
