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VIDEO: Cowichan’s 744 Air Cadets round out their year with a stylish review

Sunny morning, awards ceremonies draw large crowd to cadets’ 56th year ending review

Members of the air cadet squadron, 744 Cowichan, celebrated their 56th Annual Inspection parade last weekend. The reviewing officer for the ceremony was Insp. Tim Walton, Officer In Charge of the RCMP Island District Traffic Section.

Warrant Officer First Class Martin Werner commanded the parade square of 35 Cadets at the group’s Gibbins Road site in Duncan. Honoured guests included George Brewster, a retired Second World War Spitfire pilot, Bud Ziegler of Lake Cowichan Legion Br. 210, Neil Peters and Kenneth DeEll, former commanding officers at 744 Squadron and Douglas Slowski, the national commander of the Air Cadet League of Canada.

The cadets on parade demonstrated how much they have learned over the past training year, with flight simulator, survival, and air rifle demonstrations for friends, family and other supporters.

“It’s such a great program,” said Sec. Lt. Josh Burneau, an instructor with the squadron. “There are no other programs like this offered for teens, and the skills and friendships they make during their time in cadets last a lifetime.”

In addition to training during the school year and attending functions such as Remembrance Day, and honouring veterans by placing white crosses at local cemeteries, cadets have the opportunity to enhance their skills at summer camps offered around the country. The camps offer training in survival, leadership, drill, fitness, and aviation.

“I know many cadets that have earned their pilots licences for free, and when I was a cadet, I went to Australia for free. These are opportunities you can’t get elsewhere” Burneau said.

744 Cowichan meets every Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. during the school year. Those youth aged 12-18 interested in joining can find more information at https://744aircadets.com or attend the open house at 3790 Gibbons Rd. on Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Put that date in your calendar so you don’t forget.