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Air cadets shine for an annual inspection

They looked immaculate. Uniforms clean and pressed, shirts tucked, black shoes gleaming. Their postures were also impressive, whether marching or standing to attention. The impression was of correct military bearing, focus and a serious attitude.
Reviewing officer Kevin Robinson inspects members of 526 Barrhead Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. From the left are Cpl. Alex Reichelt, Cpl. Mackenzie Demuynck, AC Ty
Reviewing officer Kevin Robinson inspects members of 526 Barrhead Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. From the left are Cpl. Alex Reichelt, Cpl. Mackenzie Demuynck, AC Ty Pomerleau and AC Kiana Ducharme.

They looked immaculate. Uniforms clean and pressed, shirts tucked, black shoes gleaming.

Their postures were also impressive, whether marching or standing to attention. The impression was of correct military bearing, focus and a serious attitude.

Members of the 526 Barrhead Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron left little to chance for their annual inspection at Barrhead Composite High School gym last Wednesday.

They subjected themselves to the eagle-eyed scrutiny of reviewing officer Kevin Robinson and a party including the Air Cadet Squadron Commander, Air Cadet League Representative, Squadron Sponsor Committee Chair, Area Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer.

Robinson has been involved with cadets since he first joined 2716 Royal Canadian (Airborne) Army Cadet Corps at 14. He currently oversees Air Cadet League matters in Alberta, which includes 44 squadrons.

This year he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his volunteer work with air cadets.

If Robinson was looking out for any lapse by the Barrhead cadets, those in the public gallery were probably equally critical.

Moms and Dads, many armed with cell phone cameras, were on the stage in numbers, anxiously hoping sons or daughters had done enough preparation.

Fortunately, nothing went awry. Whether falling in, forming a parade, undergoing inspection or marching, the cadets didn’t miss a step.

Among those watching were Barrhead Mayor Brian Schulz, Deputy Reeve Bill Lee, Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion Brach #75 president Charles Mortimer, Squadron Sponsor Committee Advisor Curt Svendsen, Area Commanding Officer Capt. Mitch Krasey, Sponsor Committee Liaison Officer Robert Wegner, and Commanding Officer Capt. Susan Peters.

Speakers – their names called by Master of Ceremonies Capt. Ross Pentney – praised parents for coming out to support their children.

The Mayor was reassured by the sight of the cadets, so immaculately turned out and acting with such discipline and responsibility.

“They are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Pentney announced the winners of several year-end awards.

•Outstanding Attendance - Cpl. Alexander Reichelt;

• Perfect Attendance - Cpl. Xavier Harris, for 100 per cent attendance for mandatory and mandatory support activities in the unit this year;

•Best Uniform - Cpl. Alexander Reichelt, who had top marks for his uniform and has put in a consistent effort to have a good uniform.

•Most Improved - FCpl. Chris Schraedick, whose attitude has matured throughout the year. He has been more active in leadership roles and improved in every aspect of being a cadet. He built the unit’s flight simulator and set up a schedule for cadets to use it;

• Terry Orr Memorial - Cpl. Mackenzie Demuynck, who has represented the highest standard of dress, deportment and attitude both in and out of uniform;

• Pete Holland - Cpl. Alexander Reichelt, for outstanding service and dedication to 526 squadron. He has the highest attendance in mandatory and optional activities, and the highest uniform mark for the year; and

•Commanding Officer’s Award - FCpl. Tomas Feduniak, who shows leadership and has a consistently good uniform and good attitude.

After the inspection ceremony ended, there was a slide show of 526 squadron’s activities through the year.

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