Submitted by the Nelson Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
The 81 Hampton Gray VC, Nelson Royal Canadian Sea Cadets started their new training year Oct. 8 with a combined in-person and virtual awards presentation, and Coxswain Change of Appointment. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Petty Officer Second Class John Christner.
The awards that were presented were:
Most improved Junior Cadet: Leading Cadet Emalie Sawchuk
Top Marksman: Petty Officer Second Class Steele Munday
Dress, Drill and Deportment: Petty Officer Second Class John Christner
Esprit de Corps: Petty Officer First Class Grady Reise
Dedication and Devotion: Chief Petty Officer Second Class Hugh Cho and Chief Petty Officer First Class Kane Cho
Two medals were also presented. Gordon Jeffs of Salmo Legion Branch 217 presented the Legion Medal of Excellence to Chief Petty Officer Second Class Hugh Cho. Major Novak, the officer in charge of the Interior for Pacific Region Cadets, presented the Lord Strathcona Medal to Petty Officer Second Seamus Judd.
David Hood of the B.C. Mainland Division of the Navy League announced service medals to Petty Officer Second Class John Christner and Petty Officer First Class Grady Reise for four years of service in the sea cadet program.
The highlight of the evening was the Change of Appointment for the Corps Coxswain. Chief Petty Officer First Class Kane Cho handed the Coxswain position to Chief Petty Officer Second Class Jordon Cherrington. The Coxswain is the most senior cadet position in the corps and works closely with the Corps Commanding Officer to run the corps.
This was also the final parade for both Chief Petty Officer Second Class Hugh Cho and Chief Petty Officer First Class Kane Cho as they are turning 19 and will be aging out of the cadet program after seven years. Both Hugh and Kane are planning on continuing to work with the cadet program as adult leaders and instructors at the Cadet Sailing Centre in Nelson.
81 Hampton Gray VC meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. In-person meetings are the Nelson Covenant Church, 702 Stanley St.
The Nelson Sea Cadets always welcome new cadets who are between the ages of 12 and 18.
New cadets can now start the application process online by going to www.cadets.ca and clicking the “Join the Cadets” link. Adults who would like to volunteer with the units are also welcome.
For more information contact Lieutenant (N) Melissa Townsend at 250-551-8207 or Melissa.Townsend@cadets.gc.ca.