There’s not that many youth organizations that have been around since 1942 and are still going strong today.
But that is the story of the local air cadet program in Ladysmith. Sunday, June 1 marked the squadron’s 83rd annual inspection, with a full audience, at the Aggie Hall.
The program was initially started at the high school as part of the curriculum at the time. The cadets would meet for the latter part of Monday and then the group would march to the Agricultural Hall (Aggie Hall) for drill and range practice. Back then there was no gymnasium at the high school. Sometimes the cadets were even required to wear their uniforms at school.
On March 10, 1943 the local squadron received its official ensign, after having received its official charter from the Air Cadet League of Canada the previous month. The group was named 257 Parallel Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
By 1948 the local Air Cadets were being jointly sponsored by the high school and the Ladysmith Lions Club and the Lions have been a big sponsor since that time. In 1950 girls were permitted to join the Cadets and are a large segment of the squadron today.
The event on June 1 involved the local squadron, consisting of two flights (groups), being inspected by Major Beverly Ennis, CD Stephen Kostamo, Squadron Commander Captain Shane Arthur and 257 sponsoring committee treasurer Karen Peel.
Following the inspection of the cadets and the general salute the squadron did a march past which was followed by the presentation of awards for various accomplishments by members of 257 Squadron.
The award for the Most Improved Cadet was presented to Flight Corporal (FCpl) Oakley Knowles and the Outstanding First Year Cadet award was given to corporal Dylan Parsley. The Outstanding Senior Cadet award was given to Flight Sergeant (FSgt) Kadeen Hammoud and the Commanding Officer’s Award went to sergeant Liam Marschall.
The Citizenship Award was presented to FCpl Dyllin Colcol and the Marksmanship Award was handed to FCpl Justin Kelly. The prestigious Captain Karen Graczyk Award of Excellence In Field Training was presented to Leading Air Cadet Lex Frame. The Captain Karen Peel Award of Excellence was given to Sgt. Alorah Kerridge while the Squadron’s Leadership Award was presented to Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) Yaseen Hammoud. Hammoud was also presented with the Cadet Media Award. The Squadron’s Sponsoring Committee Award was awarded to Sgt. Rhys Bouwmeester and the Top Drill award was also handed off to Bouwmeester.
The squadron also started a drill team this past year in conjunction with Duncan cadets, and four plaques were handed out for drill team performance. The four cadets are Oakley Knowles, Lex Frame, Rhys Bouwmeester and Dal Caswell. The Legion Medal of Excellence was presented to Sgt. Liam Marschall.
A surprise presentation was also made on Sunday when WO1 Yaseen Hammoud was given the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Hammoud is one of only 30,000 across Canada to receive this honour in recognition of the crowning of King Charles.
At the culmination of the Annual Inspection members of both the Ladysmith Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 and the Chemainus Royal Canadian Legion Branch 191 each presented the squadron with $1,000 donations.
“The cadet program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood,” states the federal government's website. The site goes on to say, “Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. Offering positive youth development programs, sea, land and air cadets are in communities across Canada. Air Cadets gain aviation related skills through activities that include flying, gliding, and studies in aerospace. The cadet program strives to offer cadets a safe, welcoming, and supportive program environment where all feel respected, valued, included and able to achieve their full potential. The programs are open to youth aged 12 to 18 that are Canadian citizens or are authorized to reside in Canada. Programs are inclusive and celebrate the rich diversity within Canadian society.”
Anyone looking for more information about the local air cadets can email ladysmithaircadets@yahoo.ca.
