RELATIVES, GUESTS and friends gathered outside the cadet hall at the airport June 10 for the annual review of the 747 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
The official reviewing officer this year was Major Carrie Johnson from Victoria who has been involved with the air cadets for years.
Awards were also presented at the review, which is the 47th one to be held since its formation in 1953.
In a short speech, Maj. Johnson, who began her Royal Canadian Air Cadet career in Prince George in 1990, paid tribute to what she called “the northern spirit” and told cadets to hold on to that concept as they go about their lives.
Johnson recalled memorable moments during her time with the cadets and said the key one was “not only owning up to your mistakes but learning how to fix them.”
Other speeches were given by Ilona Turra who represented the Air Cadet League, Mary Moran from the local sponsoring society which provides the financial and other support for the squadron here and by commanding officer Captain Florence Braam.
The master of ceremonies was city councillor Brian Downie.
The annual review may end official activities for the squadron for the year but it doesn’t end the involvement of individual cadets as 21 will be heading to various training programs this summer.
Awards were given to LAC Josiah Bahr for being the best first year cadet, to Sgt. Lesley Green for best attendance, to F/Cpl Samuel Christiansen for best uniform. To WO2
Alway Dawson for NCO of the Year, to Cpl Lesley Hansen and F/Cpl Nicholas Friesen for most improved cadet and to WO2 Alway Dawson for espirt de corps.
Sgt. Dakota Taron was presented with the commanding officer’s award, F/Cpl Samuel Christiansen was named cadet of the year, Sgt. Nicholas Ross and LAC Patrick Hamer were given citizenship awards, Sgt. Lesley Green was given the winter survival award and F/Cpl Ashlee Thompson was presented an award from the sponsoring society.
Cpl. Michell Hess was given an award for most improved shot, LAC Liam Vales for best first year shot, F/Cpl Tristen Christmas and Sgt. Christopher Bishop shared marksman of the year honours.
The Cadet Long Service Medal went to Sgt. Christopher Bishop and Sgt. Lesley Green, Sgt. Dakota Taron received the Legion Medal of Excellence and Sgt. Lesley Green received the Lord Strathcona Medal.
The air cadet program operates within an agreement between the Department of National Defense and the Air Cadet League of Canada.
The latter is a civilian volunteer organization and locally there’s sponsoring committee.
Those at the June 10 review were told the local committee needs volunteers to keep functioning. If not, the squadron could fold.