In an 18-year circle, Captain Jacqueline Roberts has moved from recruit to commanding officer of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
In a change of command ceremony June 15 at the Annapolis Mess, Roberts accepted responsibility for the Greenwood-based unit from the outgoing CO, Captain Rhonda Bull. 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis was the presiding officer, as a flight of Cadets, with their unit colours, stood witness.
“Eighteen years ago, I joined 517,” Roberts said. “I’ve moved around, but I keep coming ‘home.’”
Roberts thanked 517 leadership for their support as she returned to the unit as staff in 2021, preparing for the command position.
“And thank you for making a difference in the lives of our Cadet youth. To the Cadets – without you, the program doesn’t exist. Thank you for committing, for showing up, for making me laugh and for having fun together.”
Roberts specifically thanked Bull for her five years as commanding officer: “these were exceptionally difficult years, and Rhonda handled it with grace.”
Bull acknowledged the “ups and downs,” particularly the impact of COVID-19.
“We kept going through the pandemic, and we adapted – we dressed for online meetings from the waist up, with fuzzy slippers on our feet. If I couldn’t see you, you didn’t need to wear your boots across your mother’s floor!
“But the human element makes the most impact: Cadets come into our organization as 12-year-olds, and they leave ready for the world as a mature young person,” Bull said, turning to her staff and unit volunteers.
“Maybe you were a part of that, leaving a legacy behind with Cadets who will be our future nurses, pilots, electricians…. Whatever Cadets aspire to be, it’s our job to support them.”
Bull also thanked 14 Wing Greenwood for hosting the squadron with space and resources, with Davis responding it’s a pleasure to both preside at this event, but to also support Cadets as a “pillar in Canada, in youth development, for over 80 years.
“Cadets has produced countless leaders, and shaped the future of our country, providing a solid foundation for the next generation of aerospace professionals.”
Davis congratulated Bull on her “exemplary service, and leaving an indelible mark on the program,” and expressed “every confidence Jackie has the ability to lead and inspire the next generation of 517 Air Cadets.”
