KAMSACK — Former Kamsack air cadet LCol. Tami Marchinko of Portage la Prairie, Man, was the reviewing officer of the annual ceremonial review of 633 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron at Kamsack on May 21.
With 2025 being the 50th year since females have been permitted to participate in the national air cadet program, special mention was made of that anniversary, and the event recognized two Kamsack residents who had joined the squadron 50 years ago: Lynn (nee Elliott) Baillie and Dianne (nee Bennett) Smutt.
Ceremonies began at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute at 5:30 p.m. with the squadron on parade. Marchinko inspected the cadets, accompanied by Baillie and Smutt; Richard Petrowsky of Regina, the Saskatchewan executive director of the Air Cadet League of Canada; Judy Green, representing the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion; Dustin Erhardt, chair of the cadets’ executive committee; Lt Karen Tourangeau, the commanding officer, and Cst Ben Berg of the Kamsack RCMP detachment.
Cadets were recognized for their levels of service, and those who received promotions were acknowledged.
“It was a wonderful parade,” Marchinko said, adding that being in the KCI gym had brought back memories for her, having been on parade in that gym only nine years after females had been allowed into the program.
“You did a fantastic job,” she told cadets, urging them to “drink in the moment” as a reward after having done a lot of hard work to achieve what they did.
There are many other things one could do on a Wednesday evening, but “you chose to be here, to do things together,” she said, recognizing the support that the cadets have received from their families, many of whom were in the gym to witness the ceremonial review.
She thanked the squadron for having invited her as the reviewing officer.
To conclude the program, several cadets, accompanied by “civilian students”, assembled as the “cadet band” under the direction of Darren Kitsch and performed two selections.
Later, following a banquet in the Legion Hall, cadets who had distinguished themselves were honoured with awards.
Cpl Karisa Kitsch received the award, sponsored by the Kamsack Legion, for being the top first-year cadet. It was presented by Lynn Baillie.
The award for top Level 2 cadet, sponsored by Kondratoff Persick LLP, was presented to FCpl Kennan Kitsch by Petrowsky.
For top physical training esprit de corps, an award sponsored by the Kamsack RCMP members was presented to Sgt Isabella Kulak by Cst... Ben Berg. (Photo not available.)
Sgt Michael McNab was to receive the award for most improved physical training from Sean Wilson, Canora-Pelly MLA. (Photo not available.)
Cpl Kitsch returned to the podium to receive the award for top junior marksman. The award, sponsored by the Kamsack branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, was presented by Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix.
FSgt Summer Erhardt was named the top senior marksman and received a Kamsack wildlife award from Richard Petrowsky.
Sgt Cassious Cadotte was introduced as the most-improved senior cadet and received an award sponsored by Fedorak Seeds from Dianne Smutt.
FSgt Halo Tourangeau, who was named the most proficient cadet, received the Duck Mountain Ambulance award from Karen Tourangeau.
The citizenship award was shared among three cadets: Cpl Karisa Kitsch, FCpl Kennan Kitsch and FCpl Aliyah Cymbalisty. Judy Green presented the award, which was sponsored by the Kamsack Legion.
Marchinko, who has sponsored the award for special merit since 1990, presented it to WOII Serenity Cote, who was called back to the podium to receive the award for top drill, dress and deportment, which was sponsored by Andrychuk Funeral Home and presented by Will Craig.
A medal of excellence was presented to FSgt Halo Tourangeau by Judy Green, and gifts were presented by Karen Tourangeau to retiring cadets FSgt Lauren Talbot and WOII Serenity Cote.
“Throughout the past year, the young men and women on parade today have dedicated themselves to a course of self-improvement, self-reliance and self-respect,” said the program developed by the squadron staff. “They have worked hard in the hope that you, their family and friends, will recognize the tremendous contribution they are making as the future leaders of our country.
“Participation in the air cadet program requires a great deal of personal sacrifice and hard work,” it said. “The squadron staff is very pleased with the results of the training year and hope that you will share the pride we feel as these young citizens of our community pass in review of you today. Congratulations to all the cadets.”
LCol. Tami Marchinko, centre, was the reviewing officer at the Kamsack air cadet squadron’s annual ceremonial review on May 21.
Kamsack air cadets participated in their annual ceremonial review May 21.
Several Kamsack air cadets, accompanied by “civilian students”, performed as the cadet band under the direction of Darren Kitsch.
The citizenship award was presented by Judy Green to three cadets. They were, from left: FCpl. Kennan Kitsch, Cpl. Karisa Kitsch (Green) and FCpl. Aliyah Cymbalisty.
Cpl. Karisa Kitsch received the award for top junior marksman from Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix.
A medal of excellence as well as a certificate were presented by Judy Green to FSgt. Halo Tourangeau.
Sgt. Casious Cadotte was introduced as the most-improved senior cadet and received an award from Dianne Smutt.
FSgt. Halo Tourangeau, who was named the most proficient cadet, received her award from Lt. Karen Tourangeau.
Lt. Karen Tourangeau presented awards to the two retiring cadets: FSgt. Lauren Talbot and WOII Serenity Cote.
FSgt. Summer Erhardt was named the top senior marksman and received the award from Richard Petrowsky.
LCol. Tami Marchinko presented special merit award to WOII Serenity Cote.
Cpl. Karisa Kitsch received the award for being the top first-year cadet from Lynn Baillie.
The award for top Level 2 cadet was presented to FCpl. Kennan Kitsch by Richard Petrowsky.
WOII Serenity Cote received the award for top drill, dress and deportment from Will Craig.
