Gignac receives 539’s highest honour

Sgt. Brett Gignac, right, receives the Legion Medal of Excellence and certificate from High Prairie Legion member George Bennett. As the award indicates, it is presented to the cadet for outstanding service. High Prairie Legion President Don Ebbett says very few of the awards are presented. “One per squadron per year and not always given out,” he says.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

They may be small in number, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at the High Prairie Air Cadet 539 Squadron’s Annual Inspection June 4. One by one, the nine cadets were recognized for a job well done in a trying year which saw numbers continue to dwindle. It was a fact not lost on several of the dignitaries speaking, who offered encouragement to the cadets. “The volunteerism with the cadets always impresses me with their spirit,” says Reviewing Officer Major David Scott, himself a cadet in the 1970s. “I hope you all learn a fair amount from cadets,” he adds. “I hope you still come back and enjoy cadets in future years.” The program needs 20 cadets to survive next year. If not, the High Prairie Royal Canadian Legion sponsored program may fold after 57 years of continuous operation. Commanding Officer Verna Ogg promised the cadets her full co-operation and dedication next year. In her speech, she first thanked the cadets for their loyalty to the program. “We’re keeping the squadron going, we want to keep it going,” she says. “I’ve been so proud to be your commanding officer. I couldn’t have been more proud of a squadron – ever!” Ogg also thanked Legion President Don Ebbett for their sponsorship. She also recognized him for teaching the cadets how to march. Capt. Mahoney also spoke and congratulated the cadets for a job well done. “What a fantastic job I see here today. The future is looking very bright here.” He also urged to the existing cadets to find recruitments over the summer and keep the program going in former Commanding Officer Sheila Hiron’s memory. “The future of cadets in High Prairie is important,” he concluded. Ebbett echoed Mahoney’s remarks on the squadron’s future. “We don’t want to be the last one,” says Ebbett. “We need you back. We need 20 cadets by October. We will do our part but we need recruits.” Sgt. Brett Gignac exemplifies the spirit of cadets. He has attended cadets from Valleyview each week, 90 kilometres away. “I enjoy cadets,” says Gignac, who attends Grade 11 at Valleyview Hillside School. “I just like how it helps us work as a team.” He is pondering a career in the military although undecided. He recognizes the skills learned in cadets will help him no matter what career path he chooses. “It’s a really fun program to be in. It gives you the skills that you use later on in life.” Gignac adds he knows of a few youth in Valleyview who may join next year. He vows to recruit some new cadets to reach the magic mark of 20 or else the program may fold.

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