The Royal Canadian Air Cadets 858 Skookumchuk Squadron Sunshine Coast showcased their skills in ceremony and drill at their 18th annual Cadet Review at Elphinstone Secondary on Sunday, June 4. Fifteen Cadets were on parade.
Local dignitaries included Sunshine Coast RCMP Staff Sgt. Vishal Mathura, Gibsons Mayor Wayne Rowe, Sechelt Mayor Bruce Milne, and Sunshine Coast Regional District director for West Howe Sound, Ian Winn.
Lt.-Col. John Brownlee-Baker, CD (retired) Royal Canadian Artillery, was the reviewing officer. Major Tim Alguire represented the Regional Cadet Support Unit and Tom Powell represented the Air Cadet League of Canada, BC Committee. Parents, grandparents, friends and families were also in attendance, as well two former commanding officers of the 858 Squadron, Russell Crum and Karen Kusnir.
“Effective Speaking” demonstrations were given by cadets LAC Sam Varty and Cpl. Mathew Douglas. Air Cadet League of British Columbia effective speaking co-ordinator Joan Irvine attended and later commented that the two cadets did an outstanding job on their speeches. Effective speaking is part of the cadet curriculum. A flag demonstration was also presented by the five senior cadets, who put on a stellar performance.
Flight Sgt. Bradly Shearsmith was presented with the Russell Crum Parade Commander Award by Russell Crum as well as the Lord Strathcona Medal, presented by Lt.-Col. Brownlee-Baker. Sgt. Jude Martin was presented with the Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence by Branch 109 (Gibsons) president Wilma Jones. Level awards were presented and Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 awards went to Cadet Adam Kusnir, LAC Keanna McLeod, Flight Cpl. Regan Scott and Sgt. Jamie Douglas. Other awards presented were Junior NCO - Cpl. Ryan McCormick, Senior NCO – Flight Sgt. Bradly Shearsmith, and the Community Service Award – Sgt. Jamie Douglas. Range awards were presented to LAC Noah Ross and Sea Cadet Range Award to PO2 Tim LaCasse-Young. Air Cadets and Sea Cadets meet together for range practice weekly.
After parade, guests were treated to static displays prepared by cadets displaying their learned skills in survival (shelter building), aerodynamics, uniform and dress as well as a picture/video of the history of the 858 Squadron. Also, flying/gliding experiences were showcased.
A banquet was held post-ceremony at the Gibsons Legion. Afterward, traditionally, cadets ventured to Davis Bay Wharf where they jumped from the wharf and had a swim.
Information on the cadet program can be obtained from sponsoring committee chair Trish Scott or squadron founder Joan Thibault at [email protected]
– Submitted by Joan Thibault
