The 531 City of Trail Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets marked another year of growth, achievement, and community service with its Annual Ceremonial Review on Sunday, June 8, held at the Kemball Armoury in Shaver’s Bench.
Under sunny skies, family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to watch the cadets perform drill and ceremony, recognize top performers, and highlight their accomplishments from the training year.
Flight Sergeant Ryden Wahl served as Cadet Parade Commander, and the Reviewing Officer was Captain Henry Helmer-Smith, Officer Commanding of the 44 Engineer Squadron.
Parade music was provided by the cadet band from 561 Nelson Osprey Air Cadets.
A highlight of the parade was the presentation of distinguished awards.
Flight Sergeant Ryden Wahl was awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal, one of the highest honours a cadet can receive.
Flight Sergeant Joachim Aquino was presented with the Air Cadet Service Medal, recognizing four years of dedication to the program.
Following the formal review, guests were invited to a luncheon provided by the 531 Squadron Sponsoring Committee, during which several cadets were recognized for their exceptional performance throughout the year.
At the luncheon, Leading Air Cadet Parker Kemball was named Top Rookie, while Flight Sergeant Ryden Wahl received the Top Cadet award as well as recognition for Marksmanship.
Flight Corporal Linnea Lawder was honoured as Top Non-NCO, and Sergeant Carter Langman was recognized with the T.E.A.M. Spirit award.
Flight Corporal Brooke Hall earned the title of Top Corporal, and Sergeant Noah Fontes received the Dedication and Commitment award.
Corporal Tyler Denny was named Top Second Year Cadet, and Corporal Latisha Baptiste was recognized as the Most Improved Cadet.
Looking ahead, 20 cadets from the Trail squadron will attend summer training at Cadet Training Centres in British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon.
The 531 Squadron will begin accepting new cadets in September.
Adults interested in volunteering with the squadron are also welcome.
The Cadet Program is open to Canadian youth aged 12 to 18 and offers opportunities to connect with peers from across the country.
Activities include flying, outdoor adventures, travel, and summer training.
With more than 50,000 participants, the Cadet Program is the largest government-funded youth program in Canada.
While it follows a military-based structure, there is no obligation to join the Canadian Armed Forces after completing the program.
Applications can be started anytime: just search online for "join the cadet program."
