An emotional and nervous captain Alyssa Paemoller officially took command of Powell River’s 2781 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) on Wednesday, December 7.
“It is very emotional because this is a big step for me,” said Paemoller. “I’m excited, but I’m also extremely nervous. It’s going to take some time to get used to, but I have great staff who will help me.”
Lieutenant Alan Walker transferred command to Paemoller at Timberlane Barracks before an assembly of officers, cadets, volunteers and families. Despite her nervousness, Paemoller said she is ready for the task ahead.
“I’ve done my fair share in the cadet program,” she said. “I joined when I was 12, in the year 2000, as an air cadet here in Powell River and I was with them for seven years. Lieutenant Walker was one of my officers, so I’ve know him since I was very young; it’s great to have that work relationship.”
Walker had been in temporary command of the army cadets. He had been preparing to take command of the sea cadets corps in Powell River a few years ago when things changed.
“At that point I was ready to take command of the sea cadet corps here, but the army cadet corps commanding officer was retiring and they had no other officers to take his place, so they asked me to take over temporary command of the army cadets; that was five years ago.”
With Paemoller taking command, Walker will now transition back to sea cadets.
Paemoller was raised in Powell River and spent her youth as a member of 22 Red Knight Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron prior to starting her military career in 2008. She has worked primarily with air cadet squadrons in Powell River and on Vancouver Island.
“I’ve decided to make the transition to army, which was the best decision,” she said. “Switching from blue to green was difficult as I’d been in a blue uniform for 16 years. This is where I want to be and I am ready.”
Paemoller credits the cadet program with making her the person she is today.
“I would not have the confidence, strength or ability to be able to do what I do without this program,” she said.
According to Paemoller, growing up in a small town such as Powell River could have led her astray.
“The cadet program prevented me from doing that.” she said. “It kept me out of trouble.”
Paemoller’s appointment is her first as a commanding officer.
