The Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) is a proud tradition that marks the culmination of a year’s hard work, dedication, and achievement for local Air Cadets. Held each June, the ACR serves as the final parade of the training year, offering cadets the chance to demonstrate their skills, celebrate their progress, and be recognized for outstanding performance. For the youth involved, it’s not just a ceremony, it’s a meaningful moment that brings a deep sense of accomplishment.
“Our Annual Ceremonial Review is our final parade of our training year, which runs from early September to approximately mid-June. It is a culmination of all our training and allows us to recognize some of our outstanding performers with individual awards,” Colin Kunkel, Civilian Instructor with 574 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, explained. “I believe it gives the cadets a sense of accomplishment after a year filled with learning various things throughout the year, including drill, aviation related subjects and citizenship opportunities in the community.
The ACR isn’t just for the cadets, it’s also a celebration shared with families, friends, and the broader community. This year’s Reviewing Officer was Martensville Fire Chief Dean Brooman, whose participation highlighted the strong community support behind the program.
The Air Cadet program is open to youth ages 12 to 18 and is designed to promote leadership, citizenship, and an interest in aviation and the Canadian Forces. Throughout the year, cadets participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including Air Skills Day, where they learn how airports operate, fly mini-drones, and build bottle rockets.
Cadets are also actively involved in the community, marching in the Buster Days Parade and volunteering their time by packing Christmas hampers with the Martensville Fire Department. They even get the chance to fly in single-engine aircraft and gliders, gaining real-world aviation experience not often available to youth.
Kunkel noted that the Familiarization Flying Day that was held in May was one of the main highlights from the past season. “Not only did the cadets get to go flying, but they also had the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with airport fire trucks at the Saskatoon Airport, along with other aviation related tours.”
Another highlight was participating in a Survival Weekend with two other Air Cadet squadrons, where cadets learned how to make shelters and other skills they might need if they became lost in the woods.
This year, the 574 Dakota Squadron had nearly 50 cadets, with participation steadily increasing year over year. Youth from Martensville, Warman, and surrounding areas including Borden are all represented, reflecting the broad appeal and reach of the program.
“There are so many benefits to the program, namely learning about yourself and what you can accomplish through hard work,” Kunkel said. “Cadets learn about responsibility when it comes to their uniform and when they advance in rank. They learn time management and leadership skills throughout the year, and they just learn how to be good citizens.”
Kunkel also stated that the experience within the Cadet program is beneficial to include on a resume, as the skills learned can serve them well out in the real world, and participants often make lasting friendships through the program.
The program is free to join and welcomes all youth aged 12 to 18. Those interested can find more information and apply through the squadron’s website at www.574dakota.ca.
“The Cadet program is a hidden gem and by far the best youth organization in Canada,” Kunkel said, adding that many notable Canadians such as Chris Hadfield, current Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, the first female Snowbird pilot Maryse Carmichael, and former Saskatchewan Lt. Governor Gordon Barnhart, all participated in the Air Cadet Program.
“I have many friends who have and still serve in the RCAF and they always say they wouldn’t be where they are without their experience in the Cadet program.”
With a legacy of producing confident, capable, and community-minded young people, the Air Cadet program continues to make a powerful difference in the lives of Saskatchewan youth.
ABOVE: The 574 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Annual Ceremonial Review took place on Thursday, June 12th. This event marks the final parade of the training year, which ran from September to mid-June.
