May 28, 517 Flight Lieutenant (F/Lt) Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron celebrated another successful year during their 75th annual ceremonial review (ACR).
One of this year’s notable triumphs was the creation of a squadron pipes and drums band, complete with matching kilts, sporrans and hoses. During the presentation of awards, Commanding Officer Captain Jacqueline Roberts surprised training support staff Master Corporal Spence Campbell and civilian instructor Mike Crowtz with the Commanding Officer’s Commendation for their commitment to standing up the squadron’s new band, stating, “they started all this from scratch, all I did was say, ‘yes.’”
Seeing the group marching and drumming in sync during the drum salute display, it was evident both staff and Cadets had put a tremendous effort into preparation for the parade; especially considering most of the students had never played an instrument before January.
This year’s ACR welcomed 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron Cormorant Flight Commander Major Michael Girard as reviewing officer. Girard started his aviation career with the 787 Banshee Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron when he was 12 years old, a journey that has now led to over 4,000 hours of military flying experience on the JetRanger, Griffon and Cormorant helicopters. One of Girard’s most memorable experiences as a Cadet was flying the gliders, earning his Glider pilot wings in 1998 at Comox.
“Even though it’s been almost 30 years, I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I earned my glider license,” said Girard. “And, for those of you who get to go gliding next weekend, I’m just going to say I’m a little bit jealous. I hope you all have a blast.”
From the crisp uniforms, shining boots and the eager smiles at the mention of gliding to the pride, commitment and heart displayed on the parade square at the end of another eventful year, Girard noted, “not much has changed” from his own cherished experience, “although I’m guessing there’s a lot less yelling nowadays – which probably isn’t a bad thing.”
Girard congratulated all the Cadets on their continued efforts.
“You’ve all taken on something special. You’ve challenged yourselves, you’ve grown and you’ve made memories that will stick with you – definitely longer than the taste of ration packs.”
Girard also thanked the staff and volunteers for giving their “time, energy and at least a few strands of their sanity” to guide the squadron youth, and families for their constant support.
“This is an amazing program, and I truly believe it will play a big part in helping your kids fulfill their dreams.”
Members of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron display their drill skills on parade at the Birchall Training Centre, at 14 Wing Greenwood, during this year’s annual ceremonial review May 28.413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron Major Michael Girard gives his address at the 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet May 28 annual ceremonial review, in his role as reviewing officer.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the $750 Welley Gérard Cyr Education Bursary, presented by Reviewing Officer Major Michael Girard and sponsoring committee chair Air Force Association of Canada representative Major (retired) Robert Johnson, went to Warrant Officer Second Class Avery Macleod.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Lord Strathcona Medal was presented by Reviewing Officer Major Michael Girard to Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top All Round Cadet Award was presented by 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Commanding Officer Captain Jacqueline Roberts to Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Outstanding Participation Award was presented by 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Commanding Officer Captain Jacqueline Roberts to Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Esprit de Corps Award was presented by Captain Rhonda Bull to Warrant Officer Second Class Alexander Leduchowski.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Jim Wallace Memorial Citizenship Award, presented by sponsoring committee chair Air Force Association of Canada representative Major (retired) Robert Johnson, went to Flight Corporal James Cook.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Marksman Award was presented by Lieutenant Nick Aalders to Warrant Officer Second Class Avery Macleod.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Most Improved Marksman Award was presented by Lieutenant Nick Aalders to Flight Corporal Ayva Roy.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Band Member Award was presented by Master Corporal Spencer Campbell and civilian instructor Mike Crowtz to Leading Air Cadet Abigale Salisbury.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Most Improved Drummer Award was presented by civilian instructor Mike Crowtz to Flight Corporal Teska Apostol.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Most Improved Piper Award was presented by Master Corporal Spencer Campbell to Flight Sergeant Malachai Warr.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Level 4 Award was presented by Captain Steve Millar to Sergeant Cameron Lausoontornsiri.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Level 4 Award was presented by Captain Steve Millar to Sergeant Ian Knight.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Level 3 Award was presented by Captain Steve Millar to Flight Corporal Ayva Roy.At the May 28 annual ceremonial review of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron members, the Top Level 2 Award was presented by Lieutenant Nick Aalders to Corporal Aubrielle Macleod.Members of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron display their drill skills on parade at the Birchall Training Centre, at 14 Wing Greenwood, during this year’s annual ceremonial review May 28.Members of 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron display their drill skills on parade at the Birchall Training Centre, at 14 Wing Greenwood, during this year’s annual ceremonial review May 28.
Awards
Top Level 1: Leading Air Cadet Benjamin Campbell
Top Level 2: Corporal Aubrielle Macleod
Top Level 3: Flight Corporal Ayva Roy
Top Level 4: Sergeant Ian Knight and Sergeant Cameron Lausoontornsiri
Most Improved Piper: Flight Sergeant Malachai Warr
Most Improved Drummer: Flight Corporal Teska Apostol
Top Band Member: Leading Air Cadet Abigale Salisbury
Most Improved Marksman: Flight Corporal Ayva Roy
Top Marksman: Warrant Officer Second Class Avery Macleod
Jim Wallace Memorial Citizenship Award: Flight Corporal James Cook
Esprit de Corps Award: Warrant Officer Second Class Alexander Leduchowski
Outstanding Participation Award: Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray
Top All Round Cadet: Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray
Lord Strathcona Medal: Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Gray
Welley Gérard Cyr Education Bursary: Warrant Officer Second Class Avery Macleod
Commanding Officer’s Commendation: Master Corporal Spence Campbell and Civilian Instructor Mike Crowtz, for their contributions to 517 F/Lt Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadets’ new Pipes and Drums Band
Graduating Cadets: Warrant Officer Second Class Avery Macleod and Warrant Officer First Class Trey Pickens
