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2009 Cadet Awards
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
Anyone considering entering the High Prairie Air Cadets next year should first realize the program is much more than marching and Remembrance Day.
Attendance at Annual Inspection June 3 proved it as camaraderie and good times highlighted the evening show.
Time and time again, officials alluded to the fun times and opportunity during speeches. Commanding Officer Verna Ogg, who admittedly “winged” her speech, kept everyone in stitches while also delivering the important message the squadron survived probation after numbers dwindled two years ago.
“You guys really did it this year,” she told the 21 attending cadets. “Without you we’d have nothing.”
After the singing of O Canada, Murray Couch was introduced as Reviewing Officer. Couch, a long-time Legion member, reviewed the squadron before giving a short speech.
“It’s the first time in over 50 years I’ve been on a parade square and it likely shows,” he quipped.
Couch congratulated the squadron for its increased attendance this year calling it a much “sounder base” to build on. He also spoke about opportunity in Air Cadets.
“There are many rewards of enrolling your people in such a worthwhile organization,” he said, before wishing cadets luck in summer camps and future endeavours.
In closing, Couch thanked the Legion and staff for continuing the Air Cadet program.
Ogg vowed to return next year after admitting this year was a steep learning curve.
“I tried really hard this year,” said the first-year Commanding Officer. “I’ll try even harder next year. I look forward to coming back every Wednesday because of you young guys.”
She urged cadets to recruit over the summer to make next year’s squadron bigger and better.
Kevin Robinson, zone director of the Air Cadet League of Canada, attended the ceremony from Whitecourt, AB.
“What a difference a year makes,” he said. “There were only three the last time I was here. Boy, what a difference!”
Robinson says attending Air Cadets could lead to bigger and better things. He said there were 6,000 applications to be Canada’s next astronaut. One of the two chosen is from Alberta and a former Air Cadet.
“Yes, you can reach for the stars,” said Robinson.
“Parents, tell your neighbours and let them know about the program,” he added. “They are our future lawyers, future judges and future astronauts.”
Legion president Don Ebbett alluded to the Legion’s 58 years of sponsorship in opening remarks.
“On behalf of the Legion, keep up the good work,” said Ebbett. “You have a great future in front of you.”
Awards and promotions were presented to several deserving cadets. Flight Cpl. Kevin Cramer, Cpl. Larissa Halldorson and LAC Manon Leonard received Perfect Attendance Awards before Cpl. Williams Lesiuk received the Best Dressed Cadet Award.
LAC Larissa Halldorson won the Citizenship Award. While receiving the award, Ebbett read a long list of Halldorson’s volunteer work including bus helper for kindergarten students, altar server for school Mass and Sunday church services, Girl Guide involvement, singing to seniors, community cleanup, writing to soldiers overseas and participation in Air Cadets.
Barry Hiron, the husband of the late Capt. Sheila Hiron, and daughter Angela Hiron, presented the Most Improved Cadet Award to Arden Kortuem-Starr.
“She would be so pleased to see how many cadets there are here today,” said Barry. “Thank-you guys, you all look like silver dollars.”
Elaine Rederburg, the daughter of the late former Capt. Doug Rose, presented the Top Cadet Award to Flight Cpl. Kevin Cramer.
“I’d like to say I’m proud to see how many of you are here,” said Rederburg. “I was in cadets. It was a great experience for me.”
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Elaine Rederburg, right, daughter of the late former Capt Doug Rose, presented the Top Cadet Award to Flight Cpl. Kevin Cramer in memory of Rose.
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The Most Improved Cadet Award, given in memorial honour of Capt. Sheila Hiron, was presented to LAC Arden Kortuem-Starr. Presenting the award were Barry Hiron, right, Sheila’s husband, and daughter Angela Hiron.
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Kevin Robinson, right, zone director of the Air Cadet League of Canada, presented Reviewing Officer Murray Couch with a crystal cube, made only for such events.
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Civilian Instructor Dan Gillmor, left, presented the Best Dressed Cadet Award to Cpl. William Lesiuk.
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LAC Larissa Halldorson, left, accepts the Citizenship Award from Commanding Officer Verna Ogg.
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Reviewing Officer Murray Couch presented the Perfect Attendance Awards at the squadron’s Annual Inspection. Left-right are recipients Flight Cpl. Kevin Cramer, Cpl. Larissa Halldorson, LAC Manon Leonard and Couch.
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Sgt. Kyle Beaudette salutes the flags and Reviewing Party during the March Past.
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Reviewing Officer Murray Couch, left, reviewed the cadets. Standing at attention are LAC Dennis Jackson, centre, and LAC Arden Kortuem-Starr.
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