The 574 “Dakota” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron hosted their annual Ceremonial Review on Thursday, June 6th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville. This event is the final parade of the training year where cadets are recognized for their achievements and where the squadron was inspected by the Reviewing Officer, Shelley Jenson, a volunteer with the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, a former air traffic controller and former Air Cadet.
Awards were given to outstanding cadets as well as two national level medals; the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence for dedication to the squadron and community to Sgt. Amelia Wood and the Lord Strathcona Medal, which recognizes cadets with a high level of physical fitness, a high level of participation in squadron mandatory and optional training and exemplifies being a model cadet to Warrant Officer 2nd Class Anna Mansiere.
The 574 Air Cadet Squadron was established in Martensville in 2016 to serve Martensville, Warman, Dalmeny and Osler after the original 574 Squadron based out of Choiceland was stood down due to declining numbers.
“The Provincial Air Cadet League of Saskatchewan determined an Air Cadet squadron in Martensville could better serve youth in the area instead of them going to units in Saskatoon,” CI (Civilian Instructor) Colin Kunkel – Squadron Supply Officer, explained.
There are currently over 40 cadets registered with the program that participate in a variety of components throughout the year such as training in being a better citizen, developing leadership and instructional skills, a focus on aviation through Air Skills Day where cadets have the opportunity to fly in both powered aircrafts as well as gliders.
“The cadet program as a whole also promotes physical fitness and fosters interest in the Canadian Forces. Last year, our squadron had an opportunity to visit 15 Wing Moose Jaw to tour the NATO flight training facilities and the Snowbirds aerobatic team,” CI Kunkel said.
For those interested in joining, visit www.574dakota.ca and fill out the provided application. The program is available for youth between the ages of 12-18 and a legal resident of Canada. The program is free of charge, and all required uniform parts are provided to the cadet free of charge. The program runs from September to mid-June and weekly parades take place on Thursday’s from 6:15pm to 9:00pm.
“The cadet program in Canada is by far one of the best youth organizations in the country. The cadets have so many opportunities available to them in terms of the training provided, as well as opportunities to attend summer camps, learning to fly both gliders and powered aircraft and even taking part in an International Exchange program. But more importantly, the chance to develop and grow, establish goals and develop self-discipline,” Kunkel added. “As adult staff there is nothing more satisfying than watching a young shy 12-year-old kid walk through the doors and seeing them develop into a confident, well-rounded young adult when they age out at the end of their cadet career.”
Kunkel also noted that the local cadet program is grateful to their sponsor, the Martensville Kinsmen for their continued support of the squadron through their kind donations.