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West Kootenay cadets recognized for excellence

Castlegar, Nelson and Trail cadets join forces for Annual Ceremonial Review
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Cadets from across the region gathered in Castlegar over weekend for their Annual Ceremonial Review.

About 85 cadets from RCSCC 81 Hampton Gray VC (Nelson), RCSCC 131 Kootenay (Trail), 581 RCACS (Castlegar), 531 RCACS (Trail) and 561 Nelson Osprey RCACS participated in the event that was held at the Castlegar Community Complex.

The parade is led completely by the cadets. This year’s Reviewing Officer position was filled by Regional Cadet Support Unit Commanding Officer, Com. Brad Henderson, accompanied by his Chief, CPO1 David Bliss.

Each cadet unit presented several awards during the ceremony and several national awards were handed out as well.

The Lord Strathcona Medal is a prestigious national-level award. Qualifications include a high level of physical fitness, a demonstrated knowledge of the cadet program, and community service.

West Kootenay cadets earning this award were Sgt. Ty Stetson-Kallin (Castlegar), CPO2 Hugh Cho (Nelson) and Sgt. Thompson (Nelson).

The Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence requires a dedication to community service and a high level of dedication to one’s cadet unit. It was presented to CPO Kane Cho of 81 RCSCC, WO2 Bullen of 561 RCACS and Deannah Kaiser of 581 RCACS.

The Navy League Medal of Excellence award went to CPO Naomi Savage of 131 Kootenay RCSCC. This national-level award is only presented to 1 in every 200 senior Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Selected cadets are highly involved in their community, exhibit strong leadership, have outstanding dress and deportment and provide an example for younger cadets to strive for.

Trail cadet Sgt. Eben Sirges received the silver level for the Duke of Edinburg’s International Award. This is an internationally-recognized award, and required months of hard work to achieve.

Castlegar cadet F/Sgt. Anthony Ismay received a Cadet Long Service Medal.

Nelson-based sea cadets earning awards included LS Daniel Sullivan who received the Esprit de Corps award, PO2 Wintergreen and PO1 Crawford who received Long Service Medals and LAC Kikosewin-Holden who received the Top Rookie award.

Trail-based cadet PO1 Jordan Cherrington received recognition for five years’ service.

F/Sgt. Brodie Grosjean and WO2 Class Kelton Kinch tied for 531 RCACS’s Top Cadet Award.

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Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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