Membership must rise

2nd Lieut. Verna Ogg is in charge of Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 in High Prairie has been sponsoring the Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539 for 57 years. But that sponsorship could end later this year because the squadron has only nine members and the minimum required is 20. Murray Couch, a member of the Legion, discussed this issue with the cadets during their annual mess dinner Dec. 19, 2007. “I would like to challenge the cadets and also their parents to talk up the advantages of belonging,” says Couch. He also says the only cost for families are a can of shoe polish and a buffer cloth. Everything else, including the uniforms, is provided free of charge. There is also a misperception that joining the Air Cadets is a prelude to joining the Canadian Armed Forces. However, this is not the case. Rather, the cadets learn about good citizenship, how to work in a group setting and develop independently. “They are taught many disciplines that will remain with them in future years regardless of the vocation they choose,” says Couch. He also commends the supervisors and assistants for their work with the Air Cadets. 2nd Lieut. Verna Ogg, who is in charge of the Squadron, says they on probation until the end of June 2008 to increase enrolment. Kevin Cramer, 13 is in his second year with the Air Cadets. He likes the lessons in outdoor survival and learning about the parts of an airplane. The most important thing he has learned is how to operate the radio equipment. He encourages other youth to join. “The cadets are running low on numbers. So, if you’d like to join, that would be an awesome thing,” says Cramer. Ogg says the program is open to youth ages 12-18. They can join at any time during the year. Female cadets are especially welcome, as Marina Hellervik is the only one in the squadron. For more information or to register, contact Verna Ogg at 536-7102. Moving up level by level The Air Cadets progress through five levels of training, and cover topics such as survival, map and compass reading, and citizenship. The cadets are tested at each level. During the mess dinner Dec. 19, several Air Cadets were recognized for having achieved a particular level. Level 1: William Lesiuk. Level 2: Kevin Cramer and Ivar Hellervik and Marina Hellervik. Level 3: Perry Hiron and Gerald Paddon. Level 4: Brett Gignac.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster