561 Nelson Osprey Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets hold 64th Annual Ceremonial Review
By Contributor
The 561 Nelson Osprey Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets recently held its 64th Annual Ceremonial Review.
The cadets of 561 Squadron were led by Warrant Officer Second Class Andrew Pfeffer as they were inspected by Nelson Fire Chief Len MacCharles.
Also in attendance where Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak, Nelson Police Chief Paul Burkart, Keith Kempe from the Air Cadet League of British Columbia, Doug Wood representing the Nelson Legion, members of the Eagles Club, IODE, CIBC Wood Gundy and Officers and Cadets from other local Squadrons.
During the night, members of the IODE Kokanee Chapter donated $1000.00 to the Squadron. This is their second donation for the year and brought their total donation to $2000.00. Also, CIBC Woody Gundy donated $1000.00 to the squadron and Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund donated $1500.00.
Many the cadets also received awards:
- Lord Strathcona Medal Sgt Jasper Taylor
- Top First Year Cadet LAC Carson Van Horne
- Ethan White Award Sgt Jasper Taylor
- Top Athlete F/Cpl Ben Hradil-Kasseckert
- Best Drill F?Cpl Ben Hradil Kasseckert
- Top Aviation Cadet Sgt Keagan Jade
- Best Shot LAC Nicola Anderson
- Best Attendance Cpl Brayden Markin-Hellekson
- Voluntary Commitment LAC Carson Van Horne
- Voluntary Commitment Cpl Brayden Markin-Hellekson
Cadets in Level 3, 4 and 5 also were given certificates that will allow them to claim the High School Credits that they receive for their Cadet work. On successful completion of Level 3, the cadets receive four Grade 10 credits, Level 4 cadets receive four Grade 11 credits and Level 5 cadet receive four Grade 12 credits
A presentation was also made to Lt. John Restemeyer, who after a year as Commanding Officer is leaving the area.
The Annual Ceremonial Review marks the completion of the 2015-16 Training Year for 561 Squadron. However, several cadets will be attending Summer Training at Cadet Summer Training Centres in Vernon and Victoria.
The 2016-17 Training Year will start on 7 September 2016.
Activities planned for the next training year include flying in both gliders and powered aircraft, orienteering, public speaking, first aide, air rifle shooting, sports and outdoor survival.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets, in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada and the Department of National Defence has been training youth in Canada for over 75 years.
The Cadet program, which include Sea, Army and Air Cadets, is the largest government funded youth program in Canada with over 50,000 participants across Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets accepts youth between the ages of 12-18 who have a desire to learn more about the air element of the Canadian Forces, wish to develop the attributes of leadership and good citizenship and who wish to promote physical fitness.
While the program is military based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the Canadian Armed Forces when he or she finishes their cadet career.
