Our region continues to

engage in great activities-

events that provide

challenge and growth for

our cadets and officers.

We are blessed with your

contributions that allow

us, in public affairs, to

promote a great program

to many of our key

stakeholders. These

stakeholders bind the

Canadian Cadet

Movement as one.

Through their efforts,

indeed your efforts, we

proudly provide this issue

that showcases the best

our program has to offer.

Be very proud of your

cadets, friends and

colleagues highlighted.

Enjoy the 2013 Summer-

Fall edition.

Newsletter of the

Regional Cadet Support Unit (NW)

highlighting stories, events and

accomplishments within the CCO

Captain Christian Stenner of Calgary Alberta, sets new record after goingalmost a mile underground in Mexican caves.

CO’s Message

Reaching Continued

Foothills Officer Invested

RCMP Officer Receives Award

P.2

P.3

P.4

P.5

P.6

P.7

Top Army Cadet in Canada

National Champion from Yellowknife

Battle of the Atlantic Pilgrimage

Aboard HMCS Protecteur

Sea Cadet Receives Medal Twice

Growing More Than Veggies

Webster Memorial Competition

Experiences That Last a Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime

Hubbell Award Scolarships

P.8-9

P.10

P.11

P.12

P.13

P.14

P.15

P.16

Summer/Fall2013

From The Editor

Published under authority of

Publisher/Editor

Design/Layout Director

LCol Rob KamphuisCO RCSU(NorthWest)

Major Mike Lagace

Captain Kerry Walker

Regional Cadet Support Unit (NW)

highlighting stories, event

accomplishment

r/r/r Fall

A MileUnd r underg oSets Record

Reaching to thelowestdepthsby Maj Mike Lagace

ast spring,

a former LArmy Cadet from

Edmonton, now a

CIC officer with a most remote places ever

Calgary-based Army reached inside the earth.

Cadet Corps, celebrated “There was a real sense

with his international team of of remoteness being

cavers in reaching to the lowest depth away from the world,”

ever recorded in the Western Stenner recalled when

Hemisphere- 1,545 metres. living deep inside the

Captain Christian Stenner, 33, chasm.

Commanding Officer of 2554 PPCLI

Cadet Corps, spent seven weeks with his

group navigating the Sistema Huautla

cave system in Mexico, one of the

continued page 3

2

TheCommandingOfficer ofRCSU(NW)

Lieutenant-Colonel Rob KamphuisOne Vision, One Mission, One Team!

LCol Rob KamphuisCO RCSU (NW)

Lieutenant-Colonel Rob

Kamphuis assumed command

of the Regional Cadet

Support Unit (Northwest) in

July 2012.

An experienced Sea King

helicopter pilot, hailing from

Hamilton, Ontario, LCol

Kamphuis had operational

tours in Shearwater, NS, with

423 Squadron, and 406

Squadron where he

eventually became the

Commanding Officer.

Graduating from the Rotary

Wing Test Pilot Course in the

United Kingdom, he had

accumulated over 4,000

flying hours in 29 different

aircraft types.

He is a graduate of the

Canadian Forces Joint

Command and Staff

Programme, and holds a

Bachelor of Engineering

degree and a Master of

Defence Studies from the

Royal Military College of

Canada.

ith Christmas behind us, the tempo this evaluation have been accepted by DND,

across our region continues to be and the report is available at Wextremely high as Corps and Squadrons

head into the second half of the training

year. Looking forward to Cadet Summer The renewal initative is still in its very

Training Centre operations, the HQ Staff in early stages, so it is much too early to say

Winnipeg are already busy assembling the what specific areas of the program may be

necessary resources and putting plans into effected, or how. Indeed, the process will

action to ensure another successful summer take place through a number of phases over

training season. the next five years and will involve getting

Amidst all this, in my travels this fall to input from numerous stakeholders in the

various Corps and Squadrons across the program from both within, and outside of ,

region and through daily interactions with DND. Of foremost consideration will be the

staff, I am consistently made aware of the best interest of the cadets themselves.

impressive motivation, dedication, and hard I fully recognize that change implies

work by all who support the cadet program, uncertainty which can often lead to fear.

whether they be full-time, part-time or a And yet, nothing is more important to the

volunteer. very survival of an organization than

So, let’s talk about the future. Change is change. For this reason, properly managing

on the horizon. As all of you are now aware, change is one of the core responsibilities of

a number of significant initiatives at the any and all leaders in an organization. As

strategic level of the Canadian Cadet the renewal program gathers momentum,

movement have been grouped together and this responsibility will include

synchronized under one broad plan called communicating not just the “what and

the Renewal of the Cadet and Junior how” of change, but also the “why.”

Canadian Ranger Programs. In the words of I am extremely proud of all the personnel

our Chief of Defence Staff, this effort “will who make up RCSU Northwest and their

deliver a meaningful and sustainable impressive accomplishments. Together, we

program for many years to come, have faced significant change in the recent

benefitting future generations of past and have done so with an open mind

participants and Canada as a nation.” and with firm resolve to make the program

One thing I should clarify- the cadet even better by keeping the cadets interest

program renewal initiative is not just fancier at the forefront of any initiative. Based on

terminology for budget cuts. One of the this, I have every confidence that we will be

main drivers of the renewal initiative stems successful in even further improving what is

from the results of a comprehensive already the best youth program in the

evaluation of the CCO recently conducted country.

by the Chief Review Services. The results of One vision, one mission, one team!

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-reports-

pubs-audit-eval/index.page.

2

The group beat the previous

record of 1,484 metres set

nearby in the Cheve caves.

The team spent up to ten Located in Sierra Mazatec mountains,

nights underground at a time, the cave system has 17 entrances and

sleeping in the cave and scuba endless different routes into the

diving flooded tunnels. The centre.

largest underwater sump was Stenner’s group, made up of 40

600 metres long and 28 metres people from around the world,

deep while the last sump managed to dive, swim, climb and

reached was 440 metres long and descend through a labyrinth of pitch

81 metres deep. black tunnels.

Team members came from the “There were times where I have

UK, USA, Canada, Poland and been in tight passage and had to

Mexico, working tirelessly to haul squirm my way through,” he recalled

ropes, camping equipment and with his eight years of this unique

scuba gear up and down.exploration challenge. “I remember my first experience with

They set the record around three weeks into the ‘caving’ finding new passage ways that have never been

exploration, before spending the next four weeks removing seen.” He continued, “I’ve never been stuck for too long- just

all their gear.long enough to get my way out.”

Team member Jason Mallinson, from Huddersfield, Stenner and his team had the grueling task of navigating

England, reached the depth of 1,545 metres, the deepest eerie, water-filled abysses know as sumps. At one stage they

anyone has been in the Western Hemisphere - and the eighth swam underwater in darkness for 600 metres in a 28 metre

deepest in history.deep river. During these dives, the group had no knowledge

British Team leader, Chris Jewell, added, “It was incredibly of where they were heading.

deep and incredibly remote. It was a challenge and adventure Having differing climbing techniques, as compared to the

and it was physically very demanding. At the time the depth Army Cadet Expedition ice and rock climbing training,

wasn't the most important thing, we were just pleased we ensured the ability for him to also get out. “Some drops have

ran a safe and smooth operation.”been up to 300 feet, in complete darkness.”

continued frompage 1..

3

oothills Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is extremely the Squadron Sponsoring Committee - congratulations on

honoured to announce that squadron officer Captain this most deserved honour.”FDouglas Eaglesham, CD is among eight outstanding The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta serves as chancellor of

Albertans who were inducted into the Alberta Order of the Order and presided over the investiture ceremony in

Excellence, the province’s highest honour. Edmonton last October. “The Alberta Order of Excellence

Capt Eaglesham was recognized by His Honour, Colonel inductees for 2013 reflect the best traits the people of our

(Ret'd) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant province have to offer; innovation, determination and a

Governor of Alberta, this past fall for his remarkable deep-seeded commitment to serving others,” said his

contributions to the Highwood region through his Honour. “I know that their stories and their many

achievements in community service. These include a contributions will serve to inspire their fellow Albertans now

dedication to youth programs, his longtime military and in the future.”

commitment and his political service. The Premier of Alberta, Mrs Alison Redford further

“Doug Eaglesham is the perfect example of what an explains the significance of this award. “Some people will

officer in the Armed forces and a citizen of Canada should help us to define who we are, some people will challenge us

strive to be,” said Captain Reid Habing, Commanding Officer in terms of how we do things. Some people will inspire our

of 187 Squadron. “He has made a lifelong commitment to young leaders to carry on in their footsteps, so there might

improve organizations and lives in a consistent and steadfast be a lot of different people that we are able to recognize for

way. The communities of Okotoks, High River and Cayley their contributions to the province through the Alberta

have benefitted greatly from his selfless determination and I Order of Excellence but when I think about why they are

could not think of a more appropriate way to reward those there, it’s because they are helping to build the future of the

efforts. On behalf of my officers, cadets and the parents of province.”

Foothills Officer Invested in Provincial Order

Captain Douglas Eagleshamrecognized for determination and commitment

4

Northern RCMP Volunteer ReceivesAward

L to R Inspector John Bennet, Chief Superintendent Wade BlakeConstable Derek Young, Captain Paul MacDonald, Capt Les Klapatiuk

Beckwith Trophy recognizesRCMP members working withcadet corps and squadrons

onstable Derek Young, of Inuvik RCMP Detachment, spent many the Commanding Officer of 2749 RCACC, Captain Paul MacDonald. Chours of his own time working with his local army cadet corps- The award presentation came as a complete surprise for Constable

2749 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC)- knowing his Young.

community needed the time, mentorship and perspective that only Constable Young had been nominated for his many hours of

an active policeman could provide. These many selfless hours were volunteering with 2749 RCACC over his time in Inuvik. The citation on

recognized formally on the 23rd September as he was presented with the award certificate read: As a volunteer instructor with 2749 Royal

the Beckwith Trophy. Canadian Army Cadet Corps for several years, Constable Young has

The Beckwith Trophy was instituted back in the 1980's by John created a mentorship relationship with the Cadets, and helped them

Beckwith who lived at Pine Point, NWT. He was involved with the to develop into contributing members of their community. He leads

local Army Cadet Corps at the time, and sponsored the Trophy to by example. He is always diligent, honest, and compassionate; and,

recognize RCMP members who worked with their local Squadrons possesses both an excellent sense of humour, and a great moral

and Corps within the NWT. standing. He has given freely of his own time to help with Cadet

On September 23rd, the Commanding Officer of RCMP 'G' Division activities both locally, and on Cadet trips out of the Territory.

Northwest Territories, Chief-Superintendent Wade Blake, North In a brief address to the Cadets on parade, Chief-Superintendent

District Officer, Inspector John Bennet, and Staff-Sergeant-Major Al Blake commended the Cadets for getting involved with the Cadet

McCambridge, all traveled to Inuvik, NWT, and attended at 2749 Program, and used himself as an example of how the lessons learned

Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) to present the Beckwith in Cadets can be put to good use later in life by former cadets as they

Trophy for 2013 to Constable Derek Young, of Inuvik RCMP move on in their lives and careers.

Detachment. Constable Young had been nominated for the award by

5

he Army Cadet League of Canada and the Royal Canadian Alberta Branch, Brigadier-General (retired) Ray Romses, OMM,

Legion was pleased to announce that Cadet Chief Warrant CD, who is also the new Colonel-Commandant of the Royal TOfficer Srosh Hassan from Edmonton, AB, of the 2551 Princess Canadian Army Cadets. “C/CWO Hassan is an energetic and

Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Cadet Corps was named dynamic individual who has achieved recognition as an

Canada's most outstanding Army Cadet and the recipient of outstanding citizen of Alberta and Canada by receiving The

the 2013 General Walsh Memorial Sword. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In every aspect of

The General Walsh Memorial Sword is the highest national her life, Cadet Hassan is a self-disciplined and conscientious

prize for any Army Cadet. The award was created in 2004 by person who has dedicated herself to her family, her school, her

the Army Cadet League of Canada in partnership community, her mosque and Cadets.”

with Royal Canadian Legion, and named in As a cadet, Srosh attended the National Army

honour of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Walsh, Cadet Summer Training Centre Connaught near

CBE, DSO, CD, who dedicated much of his time Ottawa, ON, for the past three summers and has

to the Army Cadet Program. Recipients of the become a superb Marksman having gone to

award are chosen not only based on their Bisley, England with The National Rifle Team in

performance as Army cadets but also for their 2012. Back at her corps, as the Sergeant Major,

community involvement and their academic Cadet Hassan is a model cadet for all to look up

standings. to. She is meticulous in her deportment even

“The Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta) out of uniform. She has become an extremely

is both honoured and thrilled to hear that Cadet confident and methodical communicator that

Srosh Hassan has been announced as Canada's can articulate her thoughts in mature

Walsh Award winner. She is truly an exemplary conversation. She is highly respected by all she

cadet and an outstanding role model for the is associated with.

Army Cadet Program" said the President of the

League RecognizesTop Army Cadet inCanada

Walsh Award is the highestNational Prize for Army Cadets

6

Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Srosh Hassan accepts Sword from Colonel-Commandant Ray Romses, OMM, CD

YellowknifeCadetReceives TopHonours

fter a week of intense competition, five young men and friends from across Canada are just a few of

women from 2837 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light the life skills that are effectively developed AInfantry Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Yellowknife through the Cadet Marksmanship Program.”

proudly returned home with Gold medals in hand after Having the privilege to compete at this level

representing the Northern Region of Canada at the 2013 is a testament to the hard work and

National Cadet Marksmanship Championship held at Brock dedication that these teens apply towards

University in St. Catharines last May. the Cadet Program and their sport.

After achieving success in a series of local and provincial The Cadet Marksmanship Program is

competitions held over the past number of months these a recreational activity where cadets

cadets moved on to compete at the National Championship learn valuable skills and develop

where they competed against the very best among other self-discipline, increased

Sea, Army and Air cadets from across Canada. confidence and a sense of

accomplishment. It has a rich In addition to a team win, 14-year-old Melissa Clark also

and long tradition of shot her way to the top in the individual competition earning

excellence going all the way the title of Junior National Champion! When asked about

back to 1910 when Canada sent a earning the title she said, “it's really exciting and I'm proud I

team of Cadets to compete in made it all this way.” While uncertain about her future, she

Bisley, England. The 2013 Canadian noted that sticking with competitive shooting after her time

Cadet Movement Marksmanship in the Cadet program “is definitely a possibility.”

Championship Series included multiple The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National

levels of competition that allowed youth to participate in Defence wished “the very best of luck to all cadets

progressively challenging activities, culminating in this competing in this final training activity” noting that “healthy

National Championship.competition, confidence, goal-setting and making new

Photo byCorporal Colin Barrie, CFJIC A Sqn

Cadet Melissa Clark 2837 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Yellowknife receives the Clément Tremblay Award as Junior National Champion from Captain Peter Westlake

7

The international sailor statute is a replica of the mariner statue in

Halifax, Nova Scotia and pays tribute to the seamen from the 12

Allied nations who protected shipping convoys and thwarted the

German blockade of Great Britain.

he cool damp Irish May breeze swept the countryside

blowing from all directions with intermittent drizzle Tand heavy rains. Definitely conditions that would test the

heartiest of souls, save one. And with that, LCdr Dave

Fitzpatrick looked around, drew a deep breath, and claimed

“We did it; I can't believe we did it, it's so surreal, and

we're here- this is amazing.” Referring to the three years of

planning, organizing and many obstacles and hurdles he

encountered, as 23 sea cadets stepped upon the foreign

soil of shamrocks, shillelagh's and the picturesque beauty

of historic Ireland.

LCdr Fitzpatrick , the Officer In Charge of Sea Training for

Northwest region, envisioned sending sea cadets from the

region to participate in the prestigious ceremonies

commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the

Atlantic held in Londonderry, including the unveiling of

Commonwealth Sailor's Monument by His Royal Highness

Prince Michael of Kent.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest campaign of

the Second World War and perhaps the most important. Corps, Calgary was honoured with being a flag bearer in the

Canada was a major participant and crucial to the Allied ceremonial parade to the Saint Columb's Cathedral.

victory as large convoys of Royal Canadian Navy ships “Marching with veterans as well as the other sea cadets

traveled from Halifax to Londonderry which served as a was also a great experience,” he said. “My arm holding the

safe haven for Canadian Sailors and convoys. As with all flag was sore by the end of it but, all in all, I had a great

battles, many Canadians never came back to the shores of time.”

Canada. Over the remainder of the pilgrimage, the group For ten days the Pilgrimage provided the cadets many

reached their final destination of Dublin and were cultural experiences. Beginning in Belfast city, they visited

thoroughly amazed by the likes of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the War Memorial and the Titanic's dock and pump house.

Christ Church Cathedral and the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Travelling along the Antrim Coast, to the world famous

Museum.basalt pillars of Giant's Causeway. Cadet Scott Neufeld from Chinook, Lethbridge, reflecting Arriving in Londonderry, the group, along with Irish Sea

on the trip said, “this experience has been great for me and Cadets from nearby Portrush, was treated to reserve

I wouldn't mind going back in the near future, I really liked seating for the dedication service of the sailor monument

the old architecture in Ireland. The scenery was beautiful.”at Ebrington peace square. Much to the surprise and Already planning for the 75th Anniversary, LCdr delight of all concerned, Prince Michael of Kent, who made Fitzpatrick envisioned larger cadet participation. “The the official dedication, later met with a few cadets to experience was excellent, the cadets and people amazing, welcome them to the city and event. the sites outstanding.” For this Irish senior sea officer, his The following day, the Battle of the Atlantic services

planning and organizing paid off in spades, or more continued as Cadet Haggai Lazaro from 344 Sea Cadet

correctly in this case, shamrocks. 8

by Capt Kerry Walker

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent paid tribute to the 66,000

Allied merchant seamen, sailor and airmen who lost their lives in the

Battle of the Atlantic.

he British Royal Prince Michael of Kent, joined World

War II veterans and merchant seamen from a host of Tnations to mark the 70th anniversary of the turning of the

tide in the Battle of the Atlantic. At the height of the raging

sea conflict, Derry was host to up to 20,000 British Navy

personnel, 10,000 Canadian and Newfoundlanders, more

than 6,000 US personnel as well as many from the German

occupied nations.

Prince Michael of Kent laid a wreath at the Diamond War

Memorial to mark the city's unique contribution to the

Battle of the Atlantic. A special remembrance service was

also held at St. Columb's Cathedral, Londonderry

where Cadet Mark Novak from UNDAUNTED

Sea Cadet Corps rang the ships bell for the

service.

egca

of

itm

Battle na

irlt

gAl

the

Pi

The

9

Click Herefor Images

or four veteran sea cadets from the prairies, their early “I have realized how the ship's company is a big family. You

start in their school year took a turn to the west, via one don't always get along but then there is a job to do, everyone Fof Canada's greatest supply ships, the HMCS Protecteur, with puts up their best and work as a team. Now that I have seen

an invite by the Royal Canadian Navy to be part of their 365 how the Navy works and the effort required, I can bring back all

officers and crew and sail beyond ports of Hawaii. that knowledge to my home Corps for my cadets to really see

For close to three months, with a start in late-September, where it all started,“ says Cadet PO1 Megan Kientz from RCSCC

ten cadets from the west, including four from Alberta took the Undaunted in Calgary, AB, who wants to go to Art School.

lifetime opportunity to become a member of a Regular Force Cadet CPO2 Ashalyn Fidelak, from RCSCC Yukon in Rocky

deployment overseas to the Pacific Rim, reaching Hawaii and Mountain House, AB, spent his free time at the gym, exercising

ports west of Hawaii. and wishing to stay in good shape despite his busy schedule.

Commissioned in 1969, HMCS Protecteur's crew have been Amongst all things, he learned how important it was to be

deployed to historic missions, including the Persian Gulf War cooperative as a member of a team, otherwise, “… it destroys

of 1991, East Timor as part of an Australian-led peacekeeping the efficiency of the team. Using common sense is also very

mission and many drug interdiction operations. HMCS important.” CPO2 Fidelak is considering joining the Royal

Protecteur is the sole oiler/replenishment ship in Canada's Canadian Army as a psychologist.

Pacific fleet. As such, she often accompanies the frigates and “I've realized how important the RCN and HMCS Protecteur's

destroyers when they are on lengthy deployments. role is in keeping Allied Navies at sea longer. I have learned that

“I have learned how to communicate better and be part of if you don't work as a team, very little gets accomplished.

a team. It is a great opportunity to be on a ship and get a taste About myself, I learned that I am much more determined that I

of what the military life is on board,” says Cadet PO1 Allan thought I was. I am really looking forward to spend time in the

Trumbley from RCSCC Yukon in Rocky Mountain House, Engine Room,” said Cadet PO1 Jean-Luc Labonte, from RCSCC

Alberta. Warrior in Edmonton, AB

Sea CadetsAmong Crewof HMCSPROTECTEUR

Major Mike LagaceSenior Public Affairs OfficerRCSU (Pra)

Cadet Petty Officer 1st ClassMegan KientzRCSCC Undaunted, Calgary

Cadet Petty Officer 1st ClassJean-Luc Labonte, from RCSCC Warrior, Edmonton

10

Sea CadetReceivesMedalTwice

First time acadet received this medal inHMCS QUADRAS57 year history!

ea Cadet Alex Berthelot from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Cadet Berthelot spent the past eight weeks in Comox at

Corps JERVIS BAY Saskatoon, was recently awarded the HMCS QUADRA Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre learning the SArmy, Navy and Airforce Veterans (ANAVETS) Medal of Merit. engineering systems and duties on the Navy's Patrol Class

Cadet Berthelot was judged to be the top cadet out of 16 Training ORCA Vessels. After completing this course, he is now

candidates attending the eight-week Marine Engineer Course at qualified to act as a second Engineer aboard this 125 foot, 225

HMCS QUADRA Cadet Summer Training Centre. tonne vessel.

The ANAVETS medal of merit is awarded to the top cadet in “Sea Cadets has given me opportunities to do things I never

each senior course at Cadet Summer Training Centres across would have had the chance to do. It has taught me how to be a

Canada. member of a team, determination and leadership,” said the 16-

Cadet Berthelot was selected based on his overall year-old recently qualified ‘stoker.’

achievement on the course, leadership qualities, instructional Adding to his extensive list of accomplishments, he received

abilities, dress and deportment, motivation, and cooperation the Royal Canadian Navy Centennial Award and Bursary for the

with others. highest academic standing on the course.

This is the second time Cadet Berthelot has

received this medal, and is the first time a cadet has

received this medal twice, in HMCS QUADRA's 57

year history.

11

group of Transcona youngsters to feed 400 families.

were inspired to harvest for Officers checked in on the garden every AWinnipeg Harvest. other day while cadets would tend to

The RCSCC #350 Transcona Sea drop in once a week, meaning there was

Cadets took over five plots of the often someone at the garden to help its

Transcona Community Gardens on visibility. Gnutel, himself an avid

Ravenhurst Street to help grow gardener, hoped the next generation

vegetables for the local food bank. The learned about nurturing plants through

food will be meted out through the the experience.

Transcona Food Bank at Transcona "Young people think everything is

Memorial United Church. instantaneous," Gnutel said, adding he also learned plenty

The cadets must perform community service each year, from the experience. "This isn’t instantaneous. This was a work

often doing projects like writing letters to soldiers overseas, of love. You have to put seeds in those little individual

visiting seniors in care homes, or donating canned goods to containers, and they said ‘Sir, nothing is ever going to grow.

Weston-based Winnipeg Harvest. Nothing.’ From five packages of seeds, we got 140, 150 plants."

This year, a group of approximately 45 cadets wanted to Commanding Officer Lt(N) Shari Howells said garden

take it a step further in cultivating the garden, which began founders Glenn and Debby Johnson were a major help to the

with an initial planting over spring break after some intense cadets in getting their vegetables to bloom.

research. The cadets and officers took care of plants at home The couple was more than happy to let the group use the

before transplanting them to the garden in June. land, which is owned by Transcona Alliance Church.

"We learned how to grow (vegetables) from seed and how to “Every year we donate spots to Winnipeg Harvest, and we grow

take care of them. We learned how careful you have to be the vegetables in those spots, look over them, and take care of

with them," said 14-year-old Riley Howells. “Really, we grew them,” Debby said. She and Glenn were involved as cadet

along with the tomatoes," added Evan Evaniuk, also 14. leaders when they lived in Saskatchewan.

The cadets planted more than 150 tomato plants, as well as In addition to the donated plots, a handful of local gardening

smaller quantities of squash, corn, onions, and peppers. businesses donated seed to the project.

Organizer Lt. Mike Gnutel hopes to harvest enough tomatoes

Cadets GrowingMore Than Just VeggiesL to R, Evan Evaniuk, Peter Martin,Lt Shari Howells, Lt Mike Gnuteland Riley Howells

Community,self-improvementalso bloomingthrough gardeningproject

Photo and story byDan Falloon - Canstar Community News

12

local area high school graduate was selected to participate in provincial competitors just to be selected.

a competition for the top amateur pilot in Canada. “There is a flight test with Transport Canada designated

Cole Janostin was picked to participate in the Webster Memorial examiner,” said Janostin. Once you submit that, "for each region

Flight Competition. He is a regional finalist that represented it's the highest mark that gets picked for the national

Saskatchewan with Millenium Aviation being his designated competition.”

flight training unit, although Janostin points out he's done Janostin is a 2012 graduate of Hafford Central School and was

training with a number of different companies. a cadet in Squadron No. 43 in North Battleford for three years.

He is one of nine regional finalists from across the country. He is now enrolled in the commercial aviation program at

This year's competition took place in August in Winnipeg. Okanagan College in Kelowna, B.C., and has begun his second

Janostin explains the competition had several components. year this past fall.

There's a flight test, a simulator test and a written examination, He said he earned his glider pilot's license in the summer of

and then “we have to do a navigational exercise which is all 2011, and then his pilot's license in 2012.

about your navigational skills.” Janostin expects after his diploma program is over, “I'm probably

There is a winner and a runner-up named once the most likely to get a flight instructor's position,” he said, because

competition is all wrapped up. The winner receives the Webster “that's the easiest way to build hours before you can get a bigger

Memorial Trophy and several prizes, including a $1,000 grant job.” Ultimately he sees himself working for the airlines.

towards a flight instructor rating, a position as a flight instructor He describes flying as “simply something I've always wanted to

with Brampton Flight Centre once qualified, a professional do since I was young.”

development day with the Snowbirds, and an Air Canada pass The Webster Memorial Trophy Competition is an annual one

for two valid anywhere in the Air Canada system for Canada, the held since 1932 and named for John Webster, who lost his life in

United States and the Caribbean. an aircraft accident at St. Hubert, Que. in 1931. Webster had

The runner-up receives the Eunice Carter Memorial Award been practicing to represent Canada in the Trans-Canada Air

and also receives a $1,000 grant towards a flight instructor Pageant at the time. His father, Dr. J.C. Webster, founded the

rating and various additional prizes. Webster Memorial Flight Competition and named it in his

All participants received plaques, prizes and various memory.

memberships, with everyone receiving a prize of personalized The competition has been held annually since then,

lithographs from the Snowbirds. interrupted only briefly for the Second World War and then

Getting to this point is an achievement in itself for Janostin, again in 1954. It is sponsored by Air Canada and supported by

who had to go through a major examination and beat out other several other aviation organizations as well.

SaskatchewanCadet Participatesin NationalCompetitionby John CairnsStaff Reporter The Battlefords News-Optimist

Cole Janostinformer 43 Squadron Cadet

A

13

Experiences That Last a Lifetime

14

ut of all the awesome experiences that cadets can have Adrian, who aspires to be a Search and Rescue tech himself

at CSTCs in the Northwest region, organizers at Cold one day, getting to see and hear from men and women who OLake Air Cadet Summer Training Centre have achieved their dream job can be a

have used the camp's location at 4 Wing life-changing moment.

CFB Cold Lake to its advantage to provide SAR demos and hangar tours have been

cadets with memories to last a lifetime. done in the past, but this summer featured

A great working relationship with the some outstanding events and

squadrons at 4 Wing has allowed CLACSTC opportunities that simply do not come

to offer cadets incredible opportunities to around very often for CIC or CF members,

get acquainted with different aspects of let alone cadets.

the Royal Canadian Air Force. The events In the final week of camp, in what was

and activities serve a valuable purpose, as kept a closely guarded surprise, a select

one of the core principles of the cadet number of cadets were chosen to receive

program is familiarization with the rides in a Hercules and the aforementioned

Canadian Forces. Over 100 cadets had the Griffon. The Hercules, stationed out of 17

chance to talk with the pilots and crew of Wing in Winnipeg, MB, took cadets up on a

F-18 Hornets and Griffon helicopters up training mission as they did mid-air

close during hangar tours of 410 and 417 refueling runs for CF-18s.

squadrons. Thanks to the extra effort put in by

417 squadron took time out of their members of the Canadian Forces who

schedule to stage Search and Rescue (SAR)demonstrations for volunteered their time to accommodate the CSTC's requests,

cadets from both survival courses. In one of the more the cadets were left with a lasting impression on what life and

spectacular SAR demos, the two SAR techs parachuted down work is like with the Canadian Forces.

from the Griffon helicopter, landing just in front of the cadets

with pin-point accuracy. For cadets like Flight Sargent Joshua

Cadets watch asF-18 Hornet closes

in and begins refueling.

by Marc LagaceUPAR at CSTC Cold Lake

Once in a Lifetimelack Visor for coolness.” With a remarkable casual voice, The second part, on May 25, was the flight. We sat in on the

Captain Brett Parker kicked off what is arguably the most squadrons briefing, and I saw the amount of preparation and Bunique experience I have ever had. I was strapped into the co- professionalism that goes into a simple fly-by. They plan to

pilot seat of Number 3 Snowbird, just about to take off. With avoid disturbing livestock, plan alternate airports for every leg

that, we flipped down the black visor on the flight helmet, of the journey and calculate precise fuel figures. Everything is

despite the overcast skies. done on a tight schedule. When we got in the jets, all nine

The snowbirds tour the country every summer, and at a few pilots ran through their checklists in unison, and then taxi'd to

stops, they perform media flights. They invite public the runway in flights of three. Take off was incredible, done

figures to come for flights in order to fulfill their in formation with no more than 4 meters between

roles as a voice for the Canadian Forces. wingtips. Within 30 seconds, all nine aircraft

There are probably 30 people who get this were off the ground and formed up on the

opportunity every year, and I was leader.

extremely fortunate to be one of them. The flight was a forty minute fly-by circuit of

Other people chosen in Winnipeg included communities around Winnipeg, flying over

John Sauder of CBC news, Ace Burpee of LaSalle, Starbuck, Winnipeg Beach, Selkirk and

Hot 103 radio station, Melissa Tate of the St Andrews. As we approached the towns, they

Winnipeg Free Press, and a Superintendent would tighten up formation; engage the smoke

of the Winnipeg Police Service. with a 360 degree overhead, which would pull

My encounter with the Snowbirds took around two and a half G's.

place in two parts. Part one was the day before the As the flight came to a close, they once again turned

flight, when all the guests were checked out on the ejection on the smoke and did a flyby of Winnipeg International Airport.

seats and emergency egress of the aircraft. Because the it was truly sad when the wheels touched down, but incredibly

Snowbirds do not travel with a support unit, the seat check thankful towards both the Snowbirds for their friendship and

took place on the actual aircraft, with live ejection seats. They professionalism, and to the people who made this happen the

strapped on the life preserver and parachute and put us in the Air Cadet league of Canada and the Canadian Forces.

aircraft, where we were briefed on ejection procedures.

by Cadet WO Julian Audette307 Stoneybrook Squadron - Steinback

15

“

he Hubbell Awards TIncorporated is a small

charity whose mission is to

provide scholarships to

cadets currently enrolled in

a Manitoba unit who will

continue their education at

a civilian technical institute,

college or university.

Beginning in 2013 the

program will provide six

scholarships: three to air

cadets; two to sea cadets and

one to an army cadet. The

distribution of the scholarships

is based upon the number of

youth enrolled in each element

and the number who age out and

qualify for post secondary

education. Each scholarship has a

value of $1,000.00. As the Trust Fund

grows in value, so will the value of the

scholarships.

For more information visit the web at,

Hubbell ScholarshipsAwarded

Major-General Pierre St-Amand,Commander, 1 Canadian Air Divisionguest speaker at prestigious dinner

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yourself!www.twitter.com/RCSUCadetswww.facebook.com/RCSUNorthwestCadets

Cadet CPO1Taylor McNulty

Cadet CP01Jeremie Desmarais

Cadet CWOSylvie Atkinson

(father accepted)

Cadet WO2Satkran Dhillon

Cadet FSgtAnthony FerensCadet Sgt

Simon Park

received theCaptain Gordon Farhni,DSC, MD Award

received the17 WingHonorary ColonelAward

received theLCol James R PopplowAward

received theFlight Sergeant

Fred MareanAward

received theManitoba NavyLeague Division

Award

received theLieutenant

Laurence ShermanAward

www.hubbellawards.com