3125 Calgary Highlanders, Chestermere Army Cadets Corps recently held its very special 10th Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) at the Chestermere Recreational Centre. A cadet corps ACR is the final parade and celebration of all accomplishments over the 2013-2014 training year. It is a time to showcase the cadet corps and recognize all individuals who have dedicated their time to the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program.
On Sunday June.21, Major Simon Cox served as Reviewing Officer for the event, accompanied by Warrant Officer Gerald Downey, from The Calgary Highlanders Regiment. They were joined in the Inspection Party by Commanding Officer Captain Allan Schaber, and Army Cadets League members Captain (Retired) Phil Martinson and Mr. Ed Liukaitis.
Amongst some of the honoured guests were all of 3125 Chestermere Army Cadets Corps past Commanding Officers: Capt. Chris Gerbrandt, Capt. (Retired) Gord Cousins, Capt. Cheryl Libby, Capt. (Retired) Phil Martinson; Members of the RCMP, Chestermere Fire Department, Royal Canadian Army Cadets League, #286 and #52 Royal Canadian Legion; The Commanding Officer of the 903 Strathmore Air Cadets Squadron and his cadet RSM, as well as cadet representatives from both Calgary and Airdrie.
Following the inspection and march past, a number of the cadets were recognized for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. Award recipients included: Top Green Star – C/Cpl Austin Smith, Top Red Star – C/Cpl Carter Dale, Top Gold Star – C/MWO Ben Haynes, Vesuvius Award – C/LCpl Matthew Jaworenko, RSM’s Pacestick – C/Sgt Ciara Taylor, Most Improved Cadet – C/LCpl Tyler Norman, Best Cadet Instructor – C/CWO Madison Paquette, Stickman Award – C/MCpl Braiden Parry & C/Sgt Carter Cairns, Espirit de Corps – C/MWO Gabrielle McLaren, Shaw Memorial Award – C/Cpl Caitlyn Cairns.
In addition to these awards, the Legion Medal of Excellence was presented to C/CWO Madison Paquett and the Lord Strathcona Medal was presented to C/MWO Ben Haynes. Long Service Medals (4+ yrs) were presented to C/MWO Ben Haynes, C/MWO Gabrielle McLaren, C/WO Emilio Duran, C/MCpl Hardy.
There were also some promotions made at the event in front of proud family members and friends. To the highest rank a cadet can achieve, Cadet Chief Warrant Officer (C/CWO), Madison Paquette who is currently Chestermere corps Regiment Sergeant Major (RSM). To the rank of Cadet Master Warrant Officer (C/MWO), Ben Haynes and Gabrielle McLaren. To the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (C/WO), Emilio Duran.
The unit also paid tribute to two cadets who will be concluding their cadet adventures as they had “age-out”. C/MCpl Cedric Jampen and C/MCpl Matthew Hardy both received a Calgary Highlanders Regimental coin and later on in the evening during the year end dinner, C/MCpl James Allen was appointed as the Pipe Major.
Army cadets is a national program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities while learning about the Sea , Army and Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. For more information on the 3125 Calgary Highlanders, Chestermere Army Cadets Corps visit their website at www.chestermerecadets.com.
