ESTEVAN - The No. 2901 Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Army Cadets Corps and Pipe Band wrapped up their season on June 7 by hosting a sunset service in front of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.
Members of the corps, along with the pipes and drums band, paraded in front of the legion to start the ceremony, demonstrating what they have learned in terms of marches and music.
People gathered in front of the legion to watch the service and the awards that were presented.
During the ceremony, cadets were presented with a Standard of St. Andrew flag. According to Capt. Robert Rooks, the Standard of St. Andrew recognizes several significant points of interest and historical facts regarding the history of piping and pipe bands.
Rooks noted the Standard of St. Andrew was made in Northern Ireland. He then pointed out the entire St. Andrew Society Pipe Band in Edmonton joined the PPCLI at the outset of the First World War.
“They lightened many a march for the soldiers and were stretcher-bearers on the front lines. My uncle Lester was one of those soldiers,” Rooks said.
The St. Andrew’s Society of Edmonton outfitted the pipers and drummers with instruments and kilts made from the tartans.
In 1976 the local army cadet corps was authorized to form a pipes and drums band. The request was sent to the regimental headquarters for information on uniform requirements. All sorts of options were offered, but they had to wear the tartan.
“The Standard of St. Andrew being the flag of Scotland, made in Ireland, recognizes the hard work of those who have learned and performed at a high standard, the music of the great Highland bagpipes and Highland drumming of Scotland. The standard will be carried on for ages,” said Rooks.
The flag was presented specifically to the pipe band, which belongs to the No. 2901 cadet corps, so the flag is for the entire corps. Most cadet corps have two flags, but Estevan now has three.
The awards portion of the evening saw army cadets recognized for outstanding achievements during the past year and members saluted for years of service. Cadets were promoted to new ranks while the graduating cadets received certificates.
The Legion Medal of Excellence was presented to Kurt Balbuena and Graeson Nelson. Recipients must be well-rounded, model cadets, and be beyond reproach in all areas.
The Lord Strathcona Medal went to Graeson Nelson, while the Wawa Shriners Legion of Honour Award went to Akara Reeves.
Approximately 25 cadets were part of the program this year.
The list of awards is as follows:
Army Cadet Service Medal (Four years):
Abby Krupka
Jessica Slager
Andrew Dacio
Levi Hollingshead
Daniel Werner
Rebecca Duncan
William Duncan
Oleh Sych
Larry Kirkpatrick
Kurt Balbuena
Alyssa Dodd
Mya Fladeland
Graeson Nelson
Brayden Renkas
Army Cadet Service Medal (Five-year bar):
Kurt Balbuena
Alyssa Dodd
Mya Fladeland
Graeson Nelson
Legion Medal of Excellence:
Kurt Balbuena
Graeson Nelson
Lord Strathcona Medal:
Graeson Nelson
Wawa Shriners Legion of Honour Award Award: (“Cock of the Walk” award)
Akara Reeves
Green Star:
Radburn Alfonso
Sky Kirkpatrick
Luke Sliva
Sofiya Vlezko
Red Star:
Andrei Balbuena
Silver Star:
Akara Reeves
Gold Star:
Levi Hollindshead
Master Cadet
Jessica Slager
Kurt Balbuena
Mya Fladeland
Graeson Nelson
Oleh Sych
National Star Certification Level 1:
Kurt Balbuena
Graeson Nelson
Mya Fladeland
Jessica Slager
Oleh Sych
Promotions to:
Band Drummer:
Kayla Mitchell
Pipe LCpl Jacob Pyra
Pipe Cpl Leo Mitchell
Pipe Cpl Alex Krupka
Drum Corporal William Duncan
To Lance Corporal:
Michael Adebove
Radburn Alfonso
Andrei Balbuena
Jade Bedore
Sky Kirkpatrick
Luke Sliva
Sofiya Vlezko
Johanne Mabansag
Tanner Slinn
To Corporal (Cpl):
Andrei Balbuena
Tanner Slinn
Maksym Kratko
To Master Corporal (MCpl):
Brandon Driedger
Madison Holtz
Isabella Pelletier
Akara Reeves
Mackenzie Schoenthal
Andrew Dacio
Levi Hollingshead
Larry Kirkpatrick
Oleh Sych
Daniel Werner
To Sergeant:
Levi Hollingshead
Jessica Slager
Mya Fladeland
Oleh Sych
To Warrant Officer (WO):
Kurt Balbuena
Graeson Nelson
