ESTEVAN — Members of the Wylie-Mitchell Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron celebrated their accomplishments from the 2024-25 season during their annual ceremonial review (ACR) and awards night May 13 at the cadets' hall.
"We had a really good turnout of cadets, parents, grandparents and guests to come watch," said Capt. Danielle Fleury, who is the new commanding officer.
Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick was the reviewing officer. He inspected the cadets and delivered a speech. Other speakers included Fleury and Flight Cpl. Xander Howard, who advanced to the cadets' effective speaking provincial competition.
"He discussed how aviation came to be," said Fleury. "So, we went right from the start of how they watch parachutes fall, and then he talked about the Wright Brothers and how they created a plane, and went on from there on how aviation developed."
The squadron band performed O Canada and God Save the King, the drill team performed and awards were handed out to the following cadets:
Cpl. Eliyah Cinnamon: Top second-year cadet and best-dressed in ranks;
Warrant Officer 2 Joelle Cinnamon: Drill and deportment award, best-dressed overall and top shot;
Sgt. Jenna Fleury: Top volunteer award;
Flight Cpl. Xander Howard: Top third-year cadet and esprit de corps;
Leading Air Cadet Levi Johnson: Top first-year cadet;
Warrant Officer 1 Moksh Rabari: Drill and deportment award, and best-dressed overall; and
Sgt. James Salmasan: Most improved cadet.
Danielle Fleury noted this was the first time the squadron has had a drill team since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The group went to Regina for a provincial event that also included army and sea cadets, and finished second in the compulsory division and third overall.
"With lots of young cadets on the team, it was fun to see," said Fleury.
As for the top volunteer award, Fleury said it was created in memory of Irene Doty, who was a long-time member of cadets and one of the first women to be on the provincial committee of the Air Cadet League. She died in 2024. Her son came out and presented the honour.
"That was a really nice and heartfelt moment as well," said Danielle Fleury.
A change-in-command ceremony took place at the review. Connie Hagel, who had been the commanding officer, has retired. Fleury said it was Hagel's last parade, and she was excited to be there.
Hagel has been with the local squadron since 2017, and an officer with the air cadets for more than 20 years.
The cadets had a busy year, Fleury said. In addition to the return of the drill team and the cadets' participation in the effective speaking competition, they participated in the Vimy Remembered presentation at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, attended campouts in the spring and fall, enjoyed a lot of team-building activities, and visited the Ace Academy flight simulator at the Souris Valley Museum. They are scheduled to go gliding at the end of May.
Forty-six cadets were registered this year.
Fleury said youths ages 12-18 can join by emailing [email protected] or texting her at 306-421-5999. They will hold an open house in September. Details will be posted on the Estevan Air Cadet Facebook page and we will have flyers.
