June 14 saw the Annual Ceremonial Review of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps No. 2528 of Virden. The event was set for the Victoria Park area, but the danger of rain moved it into the Royal Canadian Legion Hall where the only casualties were a few cadets overcome by the heat and the demands of the parade.
The emcee for the evening was Paul Archambault, a member of the Cadet Corps Parent Committee.
After the cadets assembled on the parade square, the reviewing officer was brought in with Cadet Corps Commanding Officer, Nicole Day.
This year’s review officer was Lt. Colonel Michele Claveau of the RCAF, who has served across Canada and overseas for over 35 years.
LCol Claveau reviewed the cadets with the CO and other dignitaries, stopping from time to time to speak to individual cadets. Following the inspection there was a march in review order pass and a salute to LCol Claveau.
In a brief but sincere speech to the assembled cadets she said, “It was a privilege to be here tonight to meet and inspect you....The challenges you have taken on, and the opportunities you have gained will be of help to you in the future. Good luck to all of you and your officers in the future.” Next, followed a number of awards given to cadets for their accomplishments during the training year.
The following are some of the many awards given at the Army Cadet Corp Ceremonial Review: Top Green Star Cadet – L Cpl Fleury; Top Red Star Cadet – Cpl Wiebe;
Top Silver Star Cadet – MCpl C. Brockman
Top Gold Star Cadet – Sgt. Trey Dalziel
Top Shot Award – LCpl Webber;
Best Uniform Award – MCpl Gibbert
Most Participation - MCpl C. Brockman, MCpl Detlor, LCpl Fleury, MCpl C. Miller and Cpl Z. Miller
Most Improved Cadet – LCpl Rousson
Top All Around Cadet - MCpl Gibbert
Lord Strathcona Trust Medal – MCpl Detlor, presented by Lt- Col Claveau
Army Cadet League of Canada Medal - WO Dakota Judd and Sgt. Dalziel (both completed five years of service).
A first-time award called the “Shield Challenge” encouraging cadet teams in leadership and accountability was presented to the Trojan Horse Team of MCpl Detlor, MCpl Gibbert, LCpl Fleury, LCpl Rousson and Cadet Archambault.
That evening at the legion hall, there was standing room only for the many parents, officials, veterans, legion and ladies auxiliary members who came out for the event.
CWO Dakota Judd was recognized with a special award for all his years of service to the cadet corps, as he has aged out.
The RCL Medal of Excellence was awarded to MCpl Gibbert, by WW II XII MB Dragoon Veteran, Jack Houston.
The cadet parent council, the Virden RCL Branch No. 8 and Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 8 all presented cheques to the cadet corporal to help with their future operations.
Closing remarks were made by Linda Wall, VP of the Army Cadet League of Canada, followed by a special presentation to 2IC (second in command) 2 Lt Erin Grey, who was presented with her Officers Commission Scroll by LCol Claveau.
The Scroll is her official recognition as a member and officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, Army. With that, the parade came to attention as the Reviewing Party left, and was dismissed.
Following this, there were a number of static displays put on by the cadets showing skills they had learned, followed by a light lunch and a special inspection cake, cut by WO Dakota Judd, using his parade sword.
CCO Lt Nicole Day said about the event, “I am so proud of our cadets and all their accomplishments this year, despite the setbacks we had at the beginning of the year. Our officers look forward to next year and the new challenges it will bring. I can’t thank all of our supporters enough, in Virden and all the surrounding areas for their help this year.”
