Air Cadets hold 38th annual review
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The 153 Varnavair Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets held their 38th annual ceremonial review Thursday evening at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport.
Despite the cold and wet weather, dozens of proud parents, family members, friends and special guests came out to witness the year-end parade and progress made by the cadets over the past 12 months.
“The annual ceremonial review is a wrap-up of the training year program for the cadets and it’s to show off all the skills that they’ve acquired during the year as well as putting forth the expectations of what they’re going to do during the summer months,” said Lieutenant Ryan Harris, CD Commanding Officer for 153 Varnavair Air Cadet Squadron in Tillsonburg. “It’s a chance for the parents and family members to see what their sons and daughters have accomplished during the year.”
The two-hour event included a march on parade, an inspection of the squadron by honourary guests and Reviewing Officer Captain Frank Wencel CD (Ret’d), a march past, an awards presentation, drill demonstration, and speeches by inspecting officers. In addition to the ceremony, static displays were also an important part of the evening.
“The static displays also show accomplishments of the cadets during the year and things they’ve accomplished within the program, such as trips they’ve went on and qualifications they’ve obtained,” Harris added.
“The cadets on parade this year have done a fantastic job – they need to be commended. They are the youth of tomorrow and we have so many first and second-year cadets that are doing an outstanding job.”
During the ceremonial review, several cadets received awards and promotions for work and progress achieved throughout the year.
After inspection, 13-year-old cadet Jonathan De Wit was awarded the trophy for Best Cadet on Inspection 2013.
“It was quite a surprise to me because I thought I wasn’t the best,” said De Wit, adding what he likes about cadets is going on trips, camping and marching.
Cadet Chelsey Hallihan was promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class and received the award for Best Cadet of the Year 2013.
“It made me feel very accomplished and proud because this is what I came to cadets for,” said Hallihan, 18, a veteran of the 153 Varnavair Air Cadet Squadron for the past six years.
Earlier this year Hallihan learned that she was one of 16 Air Cadets in Canada chosen for a special trip later this summer.
“I’ve been accepted to the International Air Cadet exchange program – there’s cadets from all over Europe, North America and Africa I believe,” said Hallihan. “I was so excited. I was almost speechless when I was told I was going.”
Departing for the three-week trip on July 22, Hallihan will be participating in various activities and sightseeing excursions such as a trip to Buckingham Palace and the Globe Theatre.
“We will do a lot of activities with the cadets of Great Britain and they host dinners for us. As well as water activities and events that sea cadets host for us, and we also get a chance to go gliding with the air cadets in Great Britain.
The highest honour of the night went to cadet Jesse VanParys, who took home the Lord Strathcona Award of Excellence, in addition to being promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class.
Despite the uncooperative weather, VanParys said the event was a great success.
“The cadets did amazing – usually it’s very hot and they have a hard time staying out there, but they stayed dedicated, they had the right frame of mind and they got it done. That’s what matters,” said VanParys. “And they looked great while they did it - they put a lot of heart and soul into getting ready for this. They’ve been preparing for weeks and to actually see all of their efforts come together so well - not only is the crowd proud of them, I’m proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves. They did very, very well tonight.”