CADETS' CORNER: Cadets receive promotions for hard work and excellence

Cadets’ Corner is a weekly column submitted by the 37 Orville Hand Air Cadet Squadron.

The 37 Orville Hand Air Cadet Squadron conducted a commanding officers parade to inspect the squadron and award cadets who have worked hard and excelled. 

Promotions from corporal to flight corporal were FCpl Beleinskyi, Cini, Joseph, Kovler, Pagar, and Papillion. FSgt. Troke received his Air Cadet Service Medal for four years service, while Warrant Officers 2nd Class Lotter and Sellers both were presented with their five-year bars. Capt. Johnson was presented the first Commanding Officer’s Coin for outstanding achievement and being an integral part of standing up 37 cadets.

After the CO parade the cadets were treated to a presentation by two veterans, our own Capt. Pleau and WO (Ret.) Mena, who spoke to them about the meaning behind Remembrance Day and the importance of never forgetting those who fought and who gave their lives for our freedom. The cadets wrote short messages of thanks and added them to a Peace Tree. In addition, 36 letters were written by the cadets to veterans that will be delivered over the next few days.

The squadron was well represented at the Remembrance Day ceremony in the Town of Bradford on Nov. 11. Over 40 air cadets and a dozen Newmarket-based Navy League cadets marched proudly down the parade route ending at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 521, where they observed the service at the cenotaph.

Capt. Johnson and squadron WO1 Yap laid a wreath on behalf of the squadron while several other cadets helped lay others including WO2 Sellers being given the honour of laying the Member of Provincial Parliament's wreath on behalf of York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney.

Also included in the ceremony was the cenotaph guard which was made up of five cadets: Sgt. Arora, FCorp. Papillon, FCorp. Pagar, FCorp. Sia and cenotaph guard commander WO2 Lotter. The position with their heads down, hands on their rifle is a way for them to reflect silently.

"It was an honour to be here and take part in this service today," said one cadet.

Editor's note: A change was made to this column on Nov. 17, 2023, to recognize the Navy League cadets who participated in the Remembrance Day service.