CANORA - For the first time since before the arrival of COVID-19, the Canora Air Cadets Ceremonial Review was held at Canora Composite School on May 31.
The program opened with the singing of O Canada.
Second Lieutenant Wade Stachura, training officer, welcomed all those in attendance for the first Annual Ceremonial Review since 2019, and introduced the Reviewing Officer, Captain Bernie Wlock, former commanding officer of the Canora squadron, whose career in in the military began with in Yorkton in 1979.
“When he became involved with the squadron, Captain Apland asked him to assist with the squadron’s sports program,” said Stachura. “In 1983, he decided to become a civilian instructor with the Yorkton squadron. In the spring of 1989, he enrolled in the CIC course. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1990. He continued to teach engines and co-ordinated all sports events for the squadron.
“In 1991, the Captain completed the Lieutenant Qualification course and was promoted to Lieutenant later that year. In 2003, Captain Notschaele asked if he would consider transferring to 566 Canora squadron for a year to become Captain. He agreed to the transfer and began the task of strengthening the squadron.
“Before he knew it, one year turned into eight productive years and a squadron to be proud of. In 2011, he returned to #17 RCAS in Yorkton after serving in Canora from 2003 to 2011.
“In 2010, he enrolled in the Commanding Officer course. In 2013, he officially became Range Safety Officer and Supply Officer of the Yorkton squadron.
“During his career, Captain Wlock was honoured to receive the Canadian Decoration for Military Service and was presented the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003.”
Captain Wlock addressed the Cadets.
“Cadets, thank you for inviting me. You did an excellent job, even after the pandemic caused so much uncertainty. Always remember, you are an air cadet, it means a lot.”
Richard Petrowsky, representing the Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan, praised the cadets for reaching this milestone.
“It’s great to see you, cadets,” said Petrowsky. “You have come through strong, after the challenges of the past few years. Congratulations to everyone in the community who makes this program run, including parents and sponsors. It does not run in isolation.
“I encourage everyone and anyone to get more involved. Cadets, you have a young group here, please try to take advantage of all the upcoming available training programs that you possibly can.”
A number of cadets received promotions.
Jazmine Chassé was promoted from Flight Corporal to Sergeant.
Dawson Jennings was promoted from Flight Sergeant to Warrant Officer 2nd class.
Aaron Chassé was promoted from Warrant Officer 2nd class to Warrant Officer 1st class.
Jeffrey Severight was promoted to Corporal from Leading Air Cadet. All other first years had been promoted the week before the Annual Ceremonial Review.
Cadets hats (first year) and backpacks (third year) are gifts that the sponsor and the squadron awarded to cadets that have completed each full year of service with the squadron. There were no cadets completing the second year in the group. For five full years or more, the cadet received a yeti water bottle etched with the squadron logo.
Graduating Cadets WO1 Aaron Chassé and WO2 Dawson Jennings each received a monetary gift from the sponsoring committee as thanks for their dedicated service, presented by Richard Petrowski from the Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan.
Captain Darren Paul presented the Commanding Officer’s Address.
“From the staff and officers of the Canora Royal Canadian Air Cadets, thank you parents and guardians for coming tonight to the annual ceremonial review,” said Paul.
“Welcome distinguished guests. Richard Petrowski joins us from the Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan, who has helped our sponsor and squadron get things right for several years now.
“Welcome to our reviewing officer Bernie Wlock, previous CO of the squadron, who taught our training officer, Lieutenant Stachura, everything he knows, I’m sure.
“A huge thank you to the members of the parent sponsor committee, who work behind the scenes to support the activities that make the cadet experience possible.”
Paul shared that the cadets have completed a busy and rewarding season.
“We have had great experiences as a team; learning about the air program, bush and cold weather survival, maps and compasses, flight simulator, rockets, marksmanship, lots of ceremonial drill, and so much more.
“Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the cadets, who showed up Wednesday nights and weekends to participate in the best youth program anywhere. Without these young men and women, this program would not be possible.”
Paul encouraged all those in attendance to, “Take a good look at these disciplined cadets. They will be your leaders of tomorrow.”
The program closed with the singing of God Save The King.
