]Kerri Benallick was presented with the Lord Strathcona Medal when the 1943 Norwell Army Cadet Battery held its 73rd annual inspection at Norwell District Secondary School in Palmerston on June 1.
The medal is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.
Benallick was also recognized with the most improved senior cadet award.
The award for most improved junior cadet was presented to Cyrus Dobson.
James Scheeringa won the award for most improved marksman.
Blake Morton received the 1943 Support Committee Award.
Cadets James Scheeringa, Josh Wakeford and Cyrus Dobson were also recognized for their fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Promotions were also part of the evening’s events.
Promoted to Bombardier were Blake Morton, A. Halley (absent), Cyrus Dobson and August Ludewigt. Promoted to Master Bombardier was E. Dunford and promoted to Warrant Officer were Kerri Benallick, James Scheeringa and Josh Wakeford.
Lieutenant-Colonel M.B. Armstrong, CD, inspected the 1943 Norwell Army Cadet Battery.
“Obviously you’re not the largest corps,” he said of the 1942 Norwell Army Cadet Battery. But he added what the corps lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality, as evidenced by the June 1 display of “obvious effort, commitment, dedication and professionalism.”
“Regardless of what they (the cadets) do in the future, that self-discipline, dedication and self-confidence will hold them in good stead,” Armstrong said.
“A lot of people do a lot of work so you can get so much out of the program, “ he told the cadets, adding, “It was an excellent performance.”
In addition to marching, the junior drill and senior drill members gave a demonstration. A range demonstration of marksmanship was also given. Static displays – on fundamental training, rifles, map and compass, field craft and Norwell Army Cadet history – were viewed by those at the inspection.
Armstrong graduated from the Royal Military College in 1981 and has had a long career, including a UN tour to Cypress and postings in England, Germany and across Canada. He completed a tour with the European Community Monitor Mission in Bosnia and Croatia, as well as a tour with the Stabilization Force Headquarters in Bosnia.
Armstrong was appointed Commandant of the Canadian Forces Nuclear, Biological and Chemical School in Borden, responding to NBC terrorism in Canada. He is currently Commanding Officer of the 11th Field Regiment.
The 1943 Cadet Battery staff includes Commanding Officer Captain W.Q. Dobson, Deputy Commanding Officer Captain J. Kiers, Supply/Training O/Cdt. R. Arndt and Training Staff O/Cdt. D. Barton.
Dobson said this year is the first time in the history of the battery that there have been four officers, with Arndt and Barton joining this year.
“You guys have done a good job tonight,” Dobson told the cadets, adding many of them will be attending summer camps this year.
He thanked the reviewing officer, parents and staff and introduced several dignitaries. Among them was Provincial League Rep Captain J. Grobbo, who brought greetings, as well as Support Committee Chair C. Wakeford.
Other support committee members are B. Wakeford,J. Martin, D. Hoffele, L. Scheering and T. Scheeringa. The committee organizes fundraisers including breakfasts, barbecues, cadet tag days and other community events.
Cadets is a federally-sponsored program for Canadians aged 12 to 18 who participate in a variety of activities while learning more about the Canadian Forces.
