The Moose Mountain Royal Canadian Air Cadets held their annual inspection at Carlyle Elementary School on Monday, May 14.
Visiting dignitaries included Reviewing Officer – RCMP Staff Sergeant Darren Simons, Member of Parliament – Dr. Robert Kitchen, Member of Legislative Assembly – Dan D’Autremont, Air Cadet League Representative – Rob Wilson, and Carlyle Legion President – Nedra Clark.
Cadets were inspected by Simons, Kitchen, D’Autremont, Wilson, Commanding Officer – Lt. Derek Huenison, Parade Commander – WO1 Brandon Walter, and Squadron Warrant Officer – WO2 Nicholas Huenison.
Following the inspection awards were given out:
Most Improved Trophy – Award to recognize the most improved overall cadet within the squadron: FSGT Lois Boyko FSGT Dareeion Knockaert.
Top Cadet Trophies –Award to recognize the top overall cadet of each level including dress, deportment, physical fitness and leadership:Top Cadet – Level I CPL Kaedin Slykhuis, Top Cadet – Level II CPL Riley Park , Top Cadet – Level III SGT Tatum Ross, Top Cadets – Level IV FSGT Vincent. Shackleton, Top Cadet – Level V WO2 Nicholas Huenison, Top Cadet – Level VI WO1 Brandon Walter
Area Directors Trophy – This cadet has been recognized for his/her contributions and ability to work with the Junior Cadets: WO2 Tucker Sharp, WO2 Kendra Ross, WO2 Nicholas Huenison.
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: WO2 Tucker Sharp.
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: WO2 Kendra Ross.
Leadership Award – Award to recognize the top leader of the squadron: WO1 Brandon Walter.
Outstanding Drill – This award recognizes the cadet who has the top uniform dress and drill ability in the squadron: WO2 Nicholas Huenison.
Cadet 80 percent or Above attendance Recognition – The following cadets attended over 80% of this years activates and deserve an honorable mention: FSGT Lois Boyko, WO1 Brandon Walter, WO2 Nicholas Huenison, FSGT Vincent Shackleton, FSGT Dareeion Knockaert, SGT Tatum Ross, FCPL Riley Park, CPL Breck Therens, CPL Kaedin Slkhuis, SGT Audrey Barath, CPL Margaret Boyko.
Air Cadet Service Medal – This medal is awarded to cadets having completed four years of honorable service: WO2 Tucker Sharp, WO2 Kendra Ross, FSGT Vincent Shackleton, FSGT Dareeion Knockaert, FSGT Lois Boyko.
Cadet Legion Medal of Excellence – is awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion to Cadets who have displayed excellence in citizenship both inside and outside of the Cadet program. This year’s recipient is: WO2 Nicholas Huenison.
Lord Strathcona Medal Of Excellence – Is an award to recognize exemplary performance in both Physical and Military Training in the Cadet Program. This year’s recipient is: WO2 Tucker Sharp.
Cadet Perfect Attendance – This year we have one senior cadet attend 100% of parade nights and over 100% of optional weekend cadet activities: FSGT Shackleton.
First year cadets were then asked to speak about their experiences in the program, which were very positive with notes regarding fall and spring campouts, the Camp Saskadet trip, physical training, and building rockets.
Opportunities they would have otherwise not had.
Cadets that have been within the program longer spoke on the uniform and how the program has affected them in life. Stating that drive, determination, respect, and discipline have become a part of who they are.
Following this the cadets performed a squadron drill. When finished the visiting dignitaries said a few words about how cadets teaches numerous life lessons regardless of whether they choose to join the military, the police, or pursue a civilian career.
“The skills you acquired here, you will use for the rest of your lives,” Wilson stated. “Be proud you are an air cadet and take advantage of all it has to offer you. You get out of this program what you put in.”
“As cadets you learn to take responsibility,” D’Autremont said. “We always learn that we have rights, but we don’t often look at the other side of that, responsibility. Cadets teaches you responsibility. You learn that there are consequences for every action and you have to take responsibility for those actions. As cadets you’re prepared to do that.”
Derek Huenison added, “I’ve seen a positive change in each and every one of you. You became friends, teammates, and family. There are extended benefits of training. When you’re sitting in a job interview… asked to make a presentation in the boardroom… or to make a toast at a wedding [you’ll reflect on your experiences here].”
Following all speeches, Pat Ross, was promoted from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant within the Canadian Air Force Reserves.
