Cadets with the Fred Campbell Victoria Cross Squadron 895 showed all their skills at the 31st annual ceremonial review held June 5 at Victoria Cross Public School.
Before an audience of parents, friends and squadron staff, the 20 cadets displayed their precision marching and flight skills and participated in a humour-filled marching elimination competition.
The troop was acknowledged for its marching skills by reviewing officer Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) James R. Gale.
“In my 11 years I’ve attended 60 or 70 reviews and this one ranks right up there,” Gale said in his address to the squadron. “It was a good drill display and elimination drill contest and your flying display was quite innovative.”
“We’ve seen a top-notch review,” he told those who took in the event.
Gale noted the support from squadron staff, parents, friends and sponsors for the members of 895 squadron.
Gale said cadets will one day look back at the experience with appreciation.
“You’ll look back and say I really learned a lot and grew a lot.”
The same will apply, according to him, to parents of the squad members who have seen their children mature with what they’ve learned as cadets. Gale said among more notable former cadets was astronaut Chris Hadfield who recently returned from a five-month stay on the international space station where he took pictures and tweeted his experiences on a daily basis.
“Hadfield exemplifies the qualifications we as cadets are gaining,” the officer added.
Squadron commander Mark McGee also noted the support the cadets continue to receive.
“All of you have made progress,” he told his cadet squadron.
Former commander Ed South said he was impressed by the squadron’s drills.
“That demonstration, for a small squadron, that these kids put on was absolutely fantastic,” he said after the review was completed.
Awards
Several cadets picked up awards at the review with Warrant Officer 1 Shelby McGee receiving several. The warrant officer received the Top Marksman Award, Commanding Officer’s Trophy, Air Cadet of the Year and Perfect Attendance Award. Another multi award recipient was Corporal Skyler McGee who picked up a Best Dressed Cadet Award in the junior division, Best Leadership Potential Award, and Best Attendance Award. Corporal Mathew Dickinson also received several awards, including Best Model Airplane Award, Initiative and Enthusiasm Award, Best Leadership Potential Award, Excellence Attendance Award and the Oscar Award after being chosen by fellow cadets as the most helpful.
The Best First Year Drill Award went to Leading Air Cadet (LAC) Walker Rea and Meagan Benn who also received Best First Year Cadet honours. Corporal Jeremy Benn received the Best Junior NCO Award, while LAC Clayton Woodiany was presented with an Initiative and Enthusiasm Award. Flight Sergeant Joshua Kestner received the Best Dressed Cadet Award, Leadership Award and Excellent Attendance Award. Corporal Zachery Dickinson received the Continuing the Spirit Award and Most Improved Cadet honours along with an Excellent Attendance Award.
