PREECEVILLE - The Preeceville Harvard 606 Air Cadets Squadron began a year of rebuilding with shifting focus for both cadets and officers. The first day for the program took place on Sept. 13.
This year we have seven cadets registered," said Capt. Troy Rogowski. “We offer weekly drills combined with classroom time. We meet every Wednesday evening and the program is still in a rebuilding year after the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the program to temporary shut down. Squadrons across the region all were hit pretty hard and we are all rebuilding slowly, " he said.
Cadets continue to offer a marksmanship program with the addition of a biathlon.
The Air Cadets program is open to youths between 12 and 18 years of age and there is no registration fee. The purpose of cadets is to develop in youths the attributes of leadership and engage in active citizenship and physical fitness within an environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces, a release said.
The cadets are funded by the Department of National Defence, the Air Cadet League (a civilian non-profit organization), Navy League and the Army League. The motto of the air cadets is “Learn to Serve and Advance,” said Capt. Rogowski.
Cadets are given the opportunity to travel, go to Camp Sask Cadet and do a variety of monthly activities. They also play a part in the community with their attendance and participation in the annual Remembrance Day Service.
This year the cadets are scheduled to attend Sask Cadet camp during survival air weekend, which is attended by cadets throughout the province. The cadets participate in sports activities ranging from curling to volleyball.
The squadron will also be holding monthly range shooting evenings. Cadets will learn how to work together and the importance of wearing their uniforms, stated Rogowski.
Cadets will participate in the annual Remembrance Day Service at both the school and the annual community service.
Cadet leaders are: Capt. Troy Rogowski, Ian Abbott, Dustin Hamilton, along with Nathan Karcha and Levi Young, civilian inductors.