Submitted by the Nelson Air Cadets
The Nelson Airport was a hive of activity on June 3 as the cadets from 561 Nelson Osprey Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets had their 70th Annual Ceremonial Review.
The reviewing officer was Major Marv Macauley from 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Major Macauley travelled to Nelson in a RCAF CT-156 Harvard II. After the parade, the CT-156 was open for all all those in attendance to view.
During the parade, two cadets received medals. Warrant Officer Second Class Nattaton McIntosh was present with the Legion Medal of Excellence by the Nelson Legion. Warrant Officer Second Class Brandon Brook was awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal.
• Best overall attendance: WO2 Nattanon McIntosh
• Best drill: F/Sgt. Ashley Sonnichsen
• Ethan Andrew White Memorial Trophy: LAC Shannon Mounsey
• Lt W Sinclair Award for Most Promising Cadet — Top Rookie: LAC Marshall Jones
• Nelson Legion Top Athlete Award: F/Cpl. Ryder LeBlanc
• Nelson Rotary Club Top Shot Trophy: LAC Shannon Mounsey
• Best dress and deportment: Sgt. Hope Ward
• Salmo Legion Most Improved Cadet Trophy: F/Sgt. Christian Faragher
• Top Senior Cadet Award — Columbia Basin Trust: WO2 Brandon Brook
• Top Intermediate Cadet Award — RDCK: Sgt. Willow Kokosewin-Holden
• Top Shot Senior Cadet: F/Sgt. Justice Ward
• Gwen Meyers was promoted to Leading Air Cadet
This marks the end of 561 squadron’s 70th year of training the youth of Nelson and area. During the summer, many cadets will be attending summer training in Fruitvale, Quadra on Vancouver Island and cadet training centres in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
The squadron will start its 71st training year on Sept. 6, 2023. New cadets can register now for next year’s training. Cadets are between the ages of 12 and 18. Applications can be started at https://registration.cadets.gc.ca/get-started.html?unitId=175.
The squadron meets every Wednesday evening at the Nelson Eagles Hall, 641 Baker St., from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. and does activities on selected weekends throughout the year.
Adults who would like to volunteer with the squadron are also welcome.