Submitted by 561 Nelson Osprey Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
On the Dec. 3 meeting of the members of 561 Nelson Osprey Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, several cadets received recognition for their work.
The most impressive award was for Flight Sergeant Nattanon McIntosh, who was awarded the Air Cadet Long Service Medal. This medal is for cadets who have completed four years in the cadet program. Nattanon joined the squadron in October, 2017. In 2018, he attended a two-week summer training course in Albert Head, near Victoria. In 2020 he took two virtual courses: Introduction to Drones, and Air Operations. Nattanon’s interest in aviation extends outside the air cadet program. He is member of the Nelson Pilots Association and flies regularly with the Nelson area pilots, including the last two Remembrance Day flyovers. He hopes to start working towards his pilot’s licence in the near future.
One of the three goals of the cadet program is physical fitness. The cadets recently did their fitness assessments and several cadets earned awards.
Brandon Brook, Ashley Sonnichsen, Liam Egan, and Erik White won Excellence; Ryan Penner and Christian Faragher won Gold; and Brooke Sonnichsen, Hope Ward, and Elle Faragher won Silver.
The cadets have also started their air rifle training program and three cadets have already received qualifications for this year. Ashley Sonnichsen won Distinguished Marksman, while Brandon Brook and Brooke Sonnichsen won First Class Marksman.
The last presentation of the night was the promotion of Christian Faragher to rank of Flight Corporal.
Air cadets meet every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Nelson Eagles Hall. More information can be found at www.nelsonaircadetsa.ca, on the squadron’s Facebook page at 561NelsonOspreyAirCadets.
The cadet program is open to all Canadian youth from the ages of 12 to 18 regardless of income, race, religion, culture or other socio-economic factors. The program embraces Canada’s multiculturalism and offers young Canadians opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures. Cadets can receive high school credits for completing their training.