by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
PEMBROKE — The young men and women stood straight, legs spread, hands clasped behind their backs.
The sweat could be seen on their brows as the hot, sun beat down on them.
But, they stood. Some called forward to accept awards.
The only time they moved was to show their appreciation for their comrade by clapping.
These young men and women of 2677 – 42nd Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery – Army Cadet Corps. were on parade and review.
Throughout the past year they worked hard participating in training and conduct exercises befit that of a cadet corps. Cadets are motivated to improve their physical fitness, to work harder at their academic studies and to give back to their communities through volunteerism and citizenship activities.
Cadets have the opportunity to take part in various leadership roles throughout the program. There is definite value in having well-rounded, community-minded, experienced young people who are ready to assume their places as tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers.
On Sunday afternoon, June 11, before family and friends who sat in the shade at the Pembroke Farmers Market, the 2677 cadets demonstrated their drill work, which includes standing at attention, at ease, marching and saluting.
But, most important on Sunday, was the awarding of various awards they earned throughout the year.
Sergeant Aidan Duffin received the Lord Strathcona Medal and the Top Senior Cadet. The medal is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. The top senior cadet is a senior cadet who has proven to be a strong instructor within the program, mentor to the junior cadets and team player to their peers during the current training year.
Sergeant Katrina Slusar received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence and her Bravo Troop received the Top Troop Award. This medal is presented to a cadet, who, over many years, has actively participated in community service activities and works exceptionally well with fellow cadets, volunteers and unit officers.
Connor Hamilton and Chase Stewart, both Chief Warrant Officer, received the Army Cadet Service Medal. This medal was created as an award to recognize continuous meritorious cadet service of at least four years. They each have six years in the cadets.
Gunner Rosalie Leclerc received the Top Junior Cadet award. This award is for the cadet who has excelled in drill, dress and deportment in the current year and has done well in their star level training.
Gunner Colin Smith received the Terry L. Hudson Memorial Trophy for Most Improved Cadet.
Gunner Dylan Wilson received the Jim Purcell Memorial Award: Top Espirt-de-Corps. This is awarded to the cadet who is positive, motivating towards their peers and works hard to make the unit a better place. This is the first year the award was presented. It is in memory of James Purcell, who died two years ago, and was involved in Cadets.
Gunner Chloe Kelly received the Top Sportsmanship Award.
Bombardier Daniel Mainville received the Captain Al Tobio Adventure Training Award.
CWO Hamilton received the $250 2677Army Cadet Corps bursary. This bursary is designed to assist students entering or pursuing their post-secondary education.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant received the Air Cadet Service Medal. This medal was created as an award to recognize continuous meritorious cadet service of at least four years. MP Gallant completed five years of previous service as an air cadet with 291 Blenheim Bomber Squadron in Blenheim, Ontario.
Earlier in the week, other various awards were presented to many of the cadets during their regular Tuesday night instruction at the Pembroke Armouries. There were family and friends in attendance as well.
Brianna Immel and Marissa Immel-Bouwman and Rosalie Leclerc were promoted to Gunner.
Chase Stewart was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer.
There were Stars and medals presented to those who completed required training and assessments.
The Unit’s team competed in two different matches at the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association postal shoot competition. The matches were in cadet air rifle prone team and the junior air rifle prone team. The team finished in second position for the junior air rifle prone team match. Each member of the team received a DCRA badge for competing. Members were Master Warrant Officer Tyler Crigger, Sgt. Israel Hallock, Bombardier Gallant, Gunner Colin Smith and Gunner Dylan Wilson.
Sgt.Hallock also received a certificate for having the highest score on the team for the cadet air rifle prone team match.
In competitive special team awards, Gunner Xander Cupelli received the orienteering medal; CWO Stewart received the marksmanship medal and Sgt. Slusar received the drill award.
CWO Hamilton received the top attendance award.
Two cadets were also mugged out, which means they are either aging out or will be attending post-secondary education. Receiving a mug before leaving a unit is a long-standing military tradition, where the recipients receive a customized mug from the unit. The mugging out cadets were CWO Hamilton and Captain Blanche Shepherd.
Change of Appointment
During Sunday’s presentations, there was a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Change of Appointment.
Standing side-by-side, outgoing RSM, CWO Hamilton handed in his pace stick to Captain Dylan Longpre, who then presented it to CWO Stewart.
Once this was done, and the papers signed for the switch, Cpt. Longpre and CWO Stewart presented a gift to CWO Hamilton.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 72 has provided financial sponsorship to the cadet corps since 1978. A cheque was presented for $2,500.
Dignitaries Talk
Leiutenant Golonel Gary Hardick, Reviewing Officer, congratulated the cadets for their exceelent turnout and successes this past year.
“The awards many of you earned today were the testament to your individual excellencies within the program,” he said.
He said the affiliation with 42nd Field Artillery Regiment is a proud affiliation.
“It’s great to see your energy as you are involved in a whole bunch of activities,” he said. “You are always enthusiastic and cheerful.”
With just a few weeks of school left, Lt. Col. Hardwick is hopeful many of them are involved with the summer cadet programs.
He also congratulated the commanding officers and staff who put in a phenomenal amount of effort in this program to have such a successful year. The program has been optimized through re-organization.
“You have done an amazing job in your leadership of this unit,” Lt. Col. Hardwick said.
He also recognized the parents of the “impressive young men and women.
“The support of this cadet corps has been phenomenal. Without the energy, without the time that you put into this effort, it wouldn’t be able to be as successful as it is.”
He also spoke about the great support this cadet corps gets from the Legion, business people and key leaders within the local community.
Lastly, he spoke to the cadets once again.
“As I said, well done to all of you,” Lt. Col. Hardwick said. “Congratulations to your turnout today and the best of luck moving forward. The skills you learn, and continue to learn, set you up for success in whatever you do for life.”
He also encouraged any young man or woman not in the cadets to look into joining.
Steve Cupelli, CD, who is the support committee chair, noted that in the past year there were two bottle drives, a maple syrup drive and a trivia night, which raised $6,500. This money will be put towards equipment.
He then listed the businesses who have helped the cadet corps throughout the year.
The support committee includes vice-chair Kara Stewart, treasurer Lisa Byers and secretary Deedee, fundraising rep is Wendy Hallock and Laura Dumont organized and ran the trivia night. However, the fundraisers wouldn’t be as successful as they are without the parents, and he thanked them.
Commanding Officer Capt. Longpre said he appreciated family and friends coming out today to show their support of the cadets.
“A big you thank you to the cadets on parade,” he said. “It’s hot outside and the sun is shining on you, but you guys look fabulous out there, you guys look outstanding.
“Thank you for your dedication and participating in all the different activities. We were busy and you guys kept coming out and enjoying the training. You make our job worth it.”
He noted the staff “bust their butt off all the time” volunteering many hours.
“Every member of my staff are here because of you, we’re here to support you and see you grow and learn,” Capt. Longpre said.
In the booklet provided for the review, there was a year in review. Some of the things included: seniors’ professional development weekend; gold and silver star expedition training; regiment’s 150th parade; marksmanship team training; drill team training; poppy campaign, Remembrance Day; unit history course; marksmanship competition; Vimy 100 Parade with Garrison Petawawa and many more.
Sgt. Israel Hallock, from Beachburg, enjoys the training courses, shooting and how to be a soldier.
“It’s challenging,” he said about the marksmanship. “You challenge yourself against someone else to see who is the best one.
“You challenge yourself to improve.”
CWO Chase Stewart, also from Beachburg, joined the cadets after his grandparents told him about it. He decided to join because “It would be interesting to get an aspect of how I could serve my country.”
He likes going out in the field, which gives him a sense of military aspect, and there are no cell phones.
A cadet for six years now, CWO Stewart said, “I enjoy everything, but drill is my favourite part. I love drill competitions.”
Drills are an everyday part of a cadet, which includes standing at attention, at ease, marching. “We work hard to make all of our movements look snappy.”
This summer CWO Stewart is going to Ottawa to each cadets how to shoot air rifles. He participated in a similar six-week camp and it was like a second home to him.
He encourages young people to join cadets.
“It’s a whole new world,” CWO Stewart said.
About Cadets
Earlier in the week, Capt. Longpre said there have been many significant achievements by the cadets in the past year and the final parade is a great way of celebrating and acknowledging them.
There are currently 32 cadets in the program, with hopes of growing that number in September, he said. There will be a membership drive at the Pembroke Armouries on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Cadets are between the ages of 12 to 18 years old. To become a member there is no membership fees and no cost for the uniforms, he noted.
Capt. Longpre became the commanding officer just over a year ago and with his staff of 10 and many volunteers, made various changes.
A member for six years, CWO Hamilton said an uncle, who retired from the corps, encouraged him to become a cadet. So, on Sept. 6, 2011, he became a cadet. He has enjoyed the many camps, training weekends, courses and the opportunity to become a leader.
“It teaches you time management, stress management and optimism,” he said.
CWO Hamilton noted, “It became apparent how important time management is” when he had homework to do, go to school, participate in extra-curricular activities and yet prepare each week to go to cadets, which meant polishing boots and ensuring his uniform was in tip top shape.
He is leaving the cadets as he will be taking the paralegal course at Fleming College.
Capt. Longpre said for young people who don’t feel the can adjust to the cadets, there is an opportunity to adapt the program to their needs if necessary.
However, he also added, the cadets are not for everyone, so try it and see if it is for you.
For more information on the cadets, go to 2677cadets.ca
