Going to annual inspections never grows old for Maj. Martin Constantine. He was the keynote speaker recently as the 154 Amherst Anson Air Cadets held their year-ending activities at the Ralston Memorial Armouries. You always look at the things you want to say and then have to listen as someone reads a long-winded bio of the guest speaker, Constantine said. I just want then to say he was born, got married, did stuff and now Im here, he added to boisterous chuckles from the cadets and their families. Constantine recalled what it was like when he first joined air cadets and the lifetime of memories it created for him and his family. His dynamic of being a cadet was an interesting one as is the case with each of the parents and caregivers that help their children get to regular sessions on a weekly basis. Being a cadet parent is an interesting calling. Not only did your child join cadets, but you joined along with them, he said. I remember when I joined and got my first uniform, I took it home to show my mother where all the flashes went and she promptly told me I didnt join, he added. After four tries of getting them in the right place, he got the message. Constantine prompted the cadets to remember all the things their parents did for them throughout their youth. The drives, the fundraisers, all the questions on where their personal items were located and the strange schedules involved in getting children to and from events and activities. His address raised a few eyebrows when he read a letter to the editor written by a 15-year-old cadet to a paper in Victoria, B.C. The author, Sgt. Eileen Carter of the 848 Royal Wells wood cadets, spoke of the problems with gangs and she likened her corps to a gang, one that does a lot of good and prepares the youth for the future. I urge you to take advantage of your opportunities provided to you through cadets, Constantine said. With drive and determination and with the support of the people in this room; the skies the limit. [email protected] The following is the list of award winners for 2006-07 handed out during the annual inspection of the 154 Amherst Anson Air Cadets: Commanding Officers Award WOII Lindsey Smith Most outstanding cadet Flight Sgt. Tyler Cooke Most Improved cadet Sgt. Melissa Harrison Top Junior Cadet LAC Tyler Craib. Top Junior NCO Cpl. Sylvio Poirer Top Junior Uniform Sgt. Jenna Desbarres Top Uniform WO II Lindsey Smith and Flight Sgt. Tyler Cooke. Dedication award Flight Sgt. Adam Occomore Lord Stadacona Award Flight Sgt. Tyler Cooke Graduating cadets awards Flight Sgt. Eric Graham, WOII Katrina Mosley, Flight Sgt. Tyler Cooke and WO II Lindsey Smith
