Local cadet corps hosts annual ceremonial review

Members of the Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadets are inspected by Hon.Col Elizabeth Bainbridge.

The 202 Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadets celebrated a training year gone by with an annual ceremony.

The local cadet corps held its 49^th annual ceremonial review June 10 at North Star High School in Amherstburg. A review of the corps was made by Hon. Col. Elizabeth Bainbridge, year-end awards were presented and cadets marched and showed part of the skills learned over the past training year.

Members of the cadet corps also spoke on what they like about being in cadets, with many speaking on the values and skills they learn, how they learn leadership, teamwork and respect as well as gain confidence.

“To all cadets, you should all be proud of yourselves,” said Warrant Officer Ashton Major.

Bainbridge congratulated the local cadet corps, stating she was pleased to see them demonstrate their skills.

“I think it’s one of the best programs I’ve ever seen,” said Bainbridge.

Members of the Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadetsgather for a group photo.

Bainbridge also thanked all sponsors and supporters of the 202 Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, noting their support helps keep the program running. She also pointed out the corps’ efforts in supporting events at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157.

Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie said it was amazing to see the work of the corps and how it has expanded over the last few years. He said the Amherstburg Legion branch is proud to support the local cadet corps and thanked them for their support of the branch as well. 

Wilkie also thanked parents, sponsors and the cadets themselves, as they have helped build the program and make it what it is today.

Commanding Officer Capt. Stefan Miller CD also paid tribute to the parents and the cadets, as well as the corps’ support committee which works to keep the corps running smoothly. He said they are proud of the work the cadets have done and how the numbers have increased in recent years.

While eight awards were presented as part of the June 10 review ceremony, Miller said all cadets should be proud.

“Every cadet here is deserving of an award,” said Miller. “Your award is your corps. You built this.”

Miller added every cadet has helped build a safe and inclusive environment for themselves and others to thrive in.

Capt. (Ret.) John Vanthournout CD also pointed out the skills and leadership cadets build. He paid tribute to the volunteers who help make the corps run and the community that supports the local corps.

Heaven Cooper, chair of the support committee, added the cadets have come a long way. She noted she was a cadet herself and based on what she learned and how much she appreciated her time as a cadet, she returned as an adult volunteer to help guide the present and future cadets.

Cooper added the dedication and commitment shown by the cadet corps is something they should be proud of.

Local cadet corps hosts annual ceremonial review

By Ron Giofu