2781 British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps held its 54th Annual Cadet Review Ceremony on Sunday, June 2, at Timberlane Barracks. The corps paraded before parents, friends, members of the public and an inspecting party.
Major (retired) Roger Prouse, CD, director of the Army Cadet League of Canada (BC Branch) and director of the British Columbia Regimental Association, was the reviewing officer. The inspecting party also included Army Cadet League representative Louise Prouse and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 liaison Bill Demkiw.
Cadets were presented with the following awards: Outstanding Attendance, Best Recruit and Best Dressed Recruit, corporal Jenny Butler; Citizenship and Most Dedicated Shooter, corporal Tim Ditmars-Hudson; Best Senior NCO, sergeant Ethin Dubé; Esprit de Corps and Top Shot, master corporal Natasha Lukianchuk; Most Improved Cadet, sergeant Declan Gillen; and Best Junior NCO, corporal Tristan Peake.
Warrant officer Ben Van Es received a Four-Year Cadet Service Medal and master warrant officer Katheryn Sheldon received a Five-Year Cadet Service Bar.
Sheldon, the cadet parade commander, relinquished the position of regimental sergeant major as she is attending Simon Fraser University in the fall. The pace stick and cross belt was accepted by Dubé, who will lead the corps in September.
Lieutenant Caroline Visser commands the Powell River army cadet unit, assisted by a training staff that includes captain Guy Pepin, civilian instructors Diane Sheldon and Larry Gemmill, and volunteer instructors Joanne McRae and Lizzie Gillen.
The aim of the cadet organization is to develop good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness in young people and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Anyone 12 to 18 years of age may enrol in cadets. For more information regarding the Army Cadet Program or enrolment, call 604.483.3993.
