Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig returned as the reviewing officer at the 33rd annual Kincardine Air Cadets inspection and review, held Saturday afternoon, on the arena floor at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.
The event began with the 183 Typhoon Squadron forming up and marching on parade. Once the dignitaries had arrived, the crowd sang "O Canada," and Craig conducted his review and gave a few remarks.
Born and raised on his parents’ dairy farm in Kincardine Township, Craig and his wife, Nancy, took over that farm where they raised five children and have been foster parents to many children over the past 25 years.
Craig became a Kincardine Township councillor 30 years ago, and served as councillor for the Municipality of Kincardine for two terms before stepping aside to pursue another career. Upon his retirement two years ago, he ran in the 2022 municipal election and became mayor of Kincardine.
Turning to the Air Cadets, Craig thanked them for participating in this program, and thanked all the parents, grandparents and supporters of the organization.
“I’d like to acknowledge the changes in this group of Air Cadets,” he said. “I was at the annual review last year and I’m pleased to see how many of the members have gained confidence under the strong leadership of this program. I’m proud of this group; you are the future leaders of this community.”
Along with Craig, the dignitaries included Kincardine Legion president Jim McDonald, Air Cadet League representative Lt.-Col. (retired) Jim Gale, and Major Bill Dobson of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden.
Gale addressed the Air Cadets and noted that he attends a lot of annual reviews each year, but Kincardine’s is his favourite because it was the first squadron to which he was appointed as Air Cadet League representative.
“I’ve followed this squadron for 25 years and the success of this program is rewarding to see,” he said. “My first annual review was 65 years ago, as a Cadet with 79 Squadron Port Colborne. I’m so proud to be part of this group. Be proud of your accomplishments this year.”
He thanked commanding officer Captain Richard Miller and Squadron Sponsoring Committee chairman Steve Shuteand all the officers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to this program, resulting in first-rate training for the Cadets, and a strong financial position to support them.
“Well done, Cadets, and keep up the good work.”
Miller thanked the staff, volunteers and supporters for making the program such a great success. Working with him, are deputy commanding officer Captain Patty Coulter, training officers Lt. Moiken Penner and civilian volunteer Brendan Frayne, and administrator civilian instructor Robert Grey.
Besides the inspection of the troops, the annual review included demonstrations and drills, and the presentation of the following awards:
Best Junior Cadet – Flight Corporal Joel Cranston
Best Senior Cadet – Sergeant William Dudgeon
Best Dressed Cadet – Corporal E. Vanderlip
Most Improved Cadet – Flight Corporal Josh Lyndon
Marksmanship Award – WO2 Teagan Penner
Physical Fitness Award - WO2 Kardin Penner
Esprit de Corps Captain Clift Award – LAC Cullen MacKinnon
Jessica Pool Memorial Award – WO2 Madi Forrester
Commanding Officer’s Warrant Officer (WO) Award – WO1 Teagan Penner
Best Attendance Award – Flight Sergeant Madi Forster
Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence – WO1 Teagan Penner
Lord Strathcona Medal – WO2 Kardin Penner
NEW – Lt.-Col. Jim Gale Excellence in Airmanship Award – WO2 Aaron Urie
Special Squadron Sponsoring Committee Award – Corporal Sawyer Gjesing, LAC Ryker Morton, LAC Drayden Ariganello, Kardin Penner and Cullen MacKinnon
Miller thanked everyone for assisting with this event, including his fellow officers, the Cadets, the parents and the sponsoring committee.
“Thanks to the Kincardine Legion for supporting this squadron,” he said. “The Legion has been home for the Cadets for more than 30 years. We’ve accomplished so much this year and there is much more to do. If anyone is interested in helping out as a civilian instructor or on the sponsoring committee, please let me know.”
As a fund-raiser, the Air Cadets are selling 12-ounce bags of ground coffee, a unique, specialty-roasted coffee, called “Young Aces,” locally roasted by Lost Aviator Coffee Co. in Guelph. The coffee sells for $20 per bag, and a minimum of $8 per bag goes to support the local squadron.
June 11, 2024
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