AMHERST – For months, members of the 154 Amherst Anson Royal Canadian Air Cadets have marched and drilled preparing for their big moment – their opportunity to show their parents and friends what they have accomplished during the year.
That came to fruition on May 27 when the corps hosted its 76th ceremonial review at the Col. James Layton Ralston Armoury with Lt. Col. Mike Hargreaves, CD serving as the reviewing officer.
“I want to acknowledge the organizations and the people that brought all this together because without their support this wouldn’t be possible,” Hargreaves said, thanking the sponsoring body the 105 (Cumberland) Wing of the RCAF Association and Branch 10 of the Royal Canadian Legion and corps staff for its hard work. “Over the last three years this cadet corps has seen its membership grow by three and a half times.”
Hargreaves said all four of his children went through the cadets organization and he knows the commitment it takes from the parents to get their child out to all the events. He also thanked the cadets for their commitment to the group.
“One of the things about air cadets is what you get out of life is exactly what you put into it so I encourage you to find things that interest you and participate fully,” he said. “The more things you participate in the squadron and how well you do your job will get you extra points and get you selected for those senior courses.”
He said the corps had two cadets participate in the national biathlon championships representing Nova Scotia, the drill team placed third in the zone drill team competition and two cadets were successful in the ground school program and were selected for the glider pilot course this summer in Debert.
Deputy commanding officer Capt. Tyler Cooke congratulated the cadets for a year of hard work and dedication.
“I think you all should be proud of what you accomplished,” Cooke said. “There’s so much that goes on in cadets that people don’t see or understand. It’s a lot more than Wednesday nights. A lot of time and effort goes into being part of this program and you deserve to be commended for it.”
He encouraged the cadets to bring their friends in September and show them what the program is all about.
Eric Black of the 105 (Cumberland) Wing of the RCAF Association called cadets a great stepping stone in life and said sponsors and supporters like Sobeys play a key role in the success of the corps.
A number of awards were also presented during the review.
Cpl. Mitch Annand was honoured as the Top Level 1 Cadet with F/Cpl. Laurana Brown being named the Top Level 2 Cadet, Cp. Jenna Stewart the Top Level 3 Cadet, F/Sgt. Josh Nowland the Top Level 4 Cadet and WO2 Nick Degenstein the Top Level 5 Cadet.
Most Improved Band Member was F/Sgt. Allie Degenstein, Top Marksmen Award went to F/Sgt. Allie Degenstein and F/Sgt. Autumn Ruzycki, the Sobeys First Year Achievement Award went to Cpl. Maggie Broughton and Top Uniform to Sgt. Braeden Lines.
Sgt. Braeden Lines was named Top Junior Cadet, F/Sgt. Allie Degenstein was named Top Senior Cadet, F/Cpl. Emmett Forshner was named Most Improved Cadet and F/Sgt. Josh Nowlan received the Squadron Commander’s Award with WO1 Brennan Brown earning the Commanding Officer’s Award as Most Outstanding Cadet.
Four-Year Service Medals were presented to F/Sgt. Hannah LeBlanc, F/Sgt. Autumn Ruzycki and F/Sgt. Allie Degenstein and the Five-Year Rosette and Graduation Certificate was presented to WO2 Nick Degenstein and WO1 Brennan Brown.
The Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence was presented to Sgt. Braeden Lines while WO2 Allie Degenstein was promoted from Flight Sergeant to WO2.
Twitter: @ADNdarrell
