By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
The Ponoka Air Cadets worked hard all year long and displayed their marching talents at their final parade at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre on June 7. There were 18 cadets on parade and awards were given to deserving cadets during the event.
Local dignitaries graced the event and included Mayor of Ponoka Larry Henkelman, Comrade Herb Keith, Councilor Wayne Clark, president of the Ponoka Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Dorothy Houghton and more.
Captain Shane Kreil was pleased with the cadets and the dignitary and community support.
“It went very well,” said Kreil. “It was well attended and went very smoothly. Everyone that came was very supportive and we are really appreciative that they attended.”
Karl Werner was presented with the Most Improved Cadet award, Werner was the cadet who showed the most growth throughout the year.
The Top Levels awards for best academic marks in relation to their peers was given to AC Catlen Huseby, AC Rebecca Nicholson for outstanding effort, LAC Karl Werner, FCcpl Alistair Delday and Sgt. Tyler Davis.
Most Proficient NCO was awarded to Sgt. Lund for showing the most outstanding leadership throughout the year.
The Espirit de Corps award was presented to Delday who was nominated by fellow cadets for improving the morale of the squadron.
A Warrant Officer Second Class silver ring was given to WOII Michael Jarvis for his outstanding performance as the squadron commander for the training year followed by 14 promotions and level upgrades to junior level cadets.
Kreil believes that the awards are a great motivation to cadets and challenges them to work hard and take pride in their accomplishments.
“It definitely boosts the morale of the individual cadet as well as giving everyone in the unit something to strive for and something to gain,” he said. “The people that received the awards were very pleased, each one deserved the award and we were pleased to give it to them. It shows individual achievement which is something everyone want to see.”
Kreil enjoys leading the cadets and believes that the work the cadets put in is something to admire.
“Everyone that goes wants to be there, therefore they put through a solid and dedicated effort which is amazing to watch. The events are a bonus, it’s the actual dedication and effort makes it worthwhile,” he said. “The cadets are Canada’s best kept secret. It’s such a good organization with a lot of opportunities, it’s the best organization out there as far as I’m concerned.”
For more information contact Kreil at 403-704-4064 or swing by the Cadet Hall on any Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. during the months from September to June.