BY DUCK PATERSON
The local air cadet squadron celebrated its 81st annual ceremonial review Sunday (June 2).
Air Cadet Squadron 257 went through a routine of ceremonial drills in front of the inspection team led by Maj. Dustin Matheson, who was joined by Air Cadet League Inspector Darcy Dean, 257 commanding officer Captain Shane Arthur and sponsoring committee chair Mark Stewart. Following the inspection the cadets did a march past and salute to the inspecting team.
The drill part of the event was followed by awards of achievement to local cadets, and then the address by the reviewing officer.
Matheson said “he was quite impressed by the deportment of the local squadron.” He was also pleased that his first inspection was in Ladysmith.
“When I got my appointment of cadet director, Ladysmith 257 was the first cadet squadron that I had under my wing.”
The members of the squadron, as part of the review, gave a demonstration on how the cadets perform marksmanship skills and safety on the range, as well as some of the target shooting skills. The demonstration was followed by the cadets doing an advance and then a general salute, followed by the closing.
During the ceremony cheques were donated to the squadron from the Ladysmith Lions Club and the Ladysmith Legion Branch 171.
The longest serving youth program in Ladysmith, Air Cadet Squadron 257 initially was part of the high school program. The cadets would meet for the last two classes, on Mondays, and then march to the Aggie Hall for drill and range practice since in 1942 there was no gym at the high school.
In those days, at times, the cadets were required to wear their uniforms to school.
Times have changed, but the aim of the air cadet program is still directed to the growth of young people.
“The cadet program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood. Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness,” reads a statement on the Canadian government’s website.
Recipients of Sunday’s awards were: Most Improved Cadet, Nathan Stewart; Outstanding First Year Cadet, Dyllin Colcol; Top Junior Cadet, Liam Marschall; Outstanding Senior Cadet, Ethan Nguyen; Commanding Officer’s Award, Rhys Bouwmeester; Citizenship Award, Kadeen Hammoud; Marksmanship Award, Nathan Stewart; Most Improved Shot, Joseph Derkson; Captain Karen Peel Award, Elliott Kinsey; Cadet Media Award, Yaseen Hammoud; Sponsoring Committee Award, Yaseen Hammoud and Nathan Stewart; Teams and Special Recognition Award, Yaseen Hammoud; Legion Medal of Excellence Award, Kadeen Hammoud and the Lord Strathcona Medal, Yaseen Hammoud.
Anyone looking for more information about the local air cadets can email ladysmithaircadets@yahoo.ca.
