Cadets, past cadets and a number of local dignitaries met at the Estevan Civic Auditorium for a combination of important events for the Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Squadron No. 30. The May 14 event entailed the yearly review of the cadets, and the 75th anniversary of the squadron.
Richard Marcotte, who served as the reviewing officer for the event, gave each cadet a good once-over, in terms of the quality and attention to detail they put into their uniforms, and the way they comported themselves. What Marcotte found was a lot of well-prepared and pressed uniforms, and boots polished to a sheen.The review entailed a co-ordinated, crisp march around the auditorium by the cadets, demonstrating their co-ordination and discipline through a drill routine.
Marcotte, who grew up in Torquay, had two sons who joined the squadron, which led him to becoming involved as a committee member, working to organize many trips and open house events for the cadets, over the years.
“They did pretty good this year. It was an honour to be the reviewing officer,” said Marcotte after the review was completed and the event moved to the Wylie-Mitchell building for supper and awards. “Usually they get some big shot to do it, not some little scruff from rural Saskatchewan, like me. My kids got started in cadets, in 1977, and I’ve been here with them, helping out.”
Mayor Roy Ludwig, in a speech after the review, noted how great it is to see the squadron staying a constant in the community, and seeing the cadets being active in the community.
“You should be proud of yourselves. There are many past officers here that made this possible, and they are the reason the squadron has been around for 75 years,” said Ludwig. “Hats off to all of you. I know you’ll be around for another 75 years.”
Estevan MLA Lori Carr, a former cadet and officer herself, was also in attendance. Carr expressed how proud she was of the squadron, saying that in the 35 years in which she has been involved with the squadron, she would not take one day back.
“I thought it was amazing. It brought back a lot of memories of when I was in the cadets. It was just marvellous,” said Carr, after the review. “I joined when I was 12 years old, just when they were celebrating their 40th anniversary. I started as a cadet, then I was an officer for 12 years. I spent seven of those years as a commanding officer. I went on to be an area director for Estevan, Oxbow, Carlyle and Moosomin and stepped down from the provincial committee so I could start my new career as MLA.”
Commanding Officer Capt. Danielle Fleury said she has seen an incredible amount of growth and passion in the organization, especially after taking over command in 2010. She described the cadets as disciplined, punctual and carrying traditions, in a way she is hopeful will help the organization continue to grow. Fleury also thanked the parents’ committee for their help in everything, from club renovations to camping trips throughout the year.
“I can’t believe we’ve been together as a group for 75 years. It’s so good to see so many of the former cadets in the families in attendance, along with past officers and league members,” said Fleury, after the review finished up. “It’s really good to see people grow up in the group watching them today. We worked quite hard, all year, to prepare for this event. Every Tuesday night they practiced drill for the opening parade.”
During dinner, cadets who earned distinctions among their peers were given awards recognizing their accomplishment over the year. The top first year Leading Air Cadet (LAC), Trinity Niebergall. The top second year male cadet award was given to LAC Damien Hutchins, and the top second year female cadet award was given to Cpl. Gemma Sylvestre. The drill and deportment award was given to Flt. Sgt. Preston Fieber Warrant Officer Second Class. Ethan Courteau was recognized with the most improved cadet award. Flt. Cpl. Janna Cinnamon was given the best dressed in ranks award, and Flt. Sgt. Preston Fieber was given the best dressed overall award. Top cadet overall award was given to warrant officers, second class Shawn Bissonnette and Ethan Courteau. Top shot male was awarded to Flt. Sgt. Matthew Cinnamon, and the top shot female award was given to Flt. Cpl. Janna Cinnamon. The Gliding Scholarship was awarded to warrant officer second class Ethan Courteau, and top cadet in technical training award was presented to Flt. Sgt. Preston Fieber.
